smuggle

[smuhg-uhl]

verb (used with object)

smuggled, smuggling 

1. to import or export (goods) secretly, in violation of the law, especially without payment of legal duty.

2. to bring, take, put, etc., surreptitiously.

   She smuggled the gun into the jail inside a cake.

verb (used without object)

smuggled, smuggling 

1. to import, export, or convey goods surreptitiously or in violation of the law.

smuggle

/ ˈsmʌɡəl /

verb

1. to import or export (prohibited or dutiable goods) secretly

2. (tr; often foll by into or out of) to bring or take secretly, as against the law or rules

3. to conceal; hide

Other Word Forms

• smuggler noun
• antismuggling adjective
• unsmuggled adjective
• smuggling noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of smuggle¹

1680–90; < Low German smuggeln; cognate with German schmuggeln

Word History and Origins

Origin of smuggle¹

C17: from Low German smukkelen and Dutch smokkelen, perhaps from Old English smūgen to creep; related to Old Norse smjūga

Example Sentences

In one instance last month, Polish police detained a Belarusian citizen whose car had been circling cigarettes smuggled in using a balloon.

From BBC

He was smuggled out a back exit at the Falkirk Stadium with a police escort.

From BBC

Having to be smuggled away from the Falkirk Stadium was an unedifying end to the latest dreadful day for a man who seems to be caught in the wrong movie.

From BBC

The referendum was mired by extensive evidence of Russian meddling – including cash being smuggled into the country to buy votes.

From BBC

It is not clear yet how the explosives were smuggled into the jail.

From BBC

Related Words

• export 
• hide