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

“They tried to smuggle from Syria, tried to rebuild facilities in Lebanon, training new recruits. All of that was under his command and control.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Cars and parts are being stolen and smuggled out of the UK sometimes within 24 hours to countries in Europe and Africa, police are warning.

Read more on BBC

He said she had smuggled food and medicine to Allied POWs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Sometimes the cash was smuggled out hidden in boxes of washing powder and baby formula.

Read more on BBC

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s claim that illegal immigrants smuggled infected cattle across the border is fantasy, as the USDA’s closure of the Mexican border was implemented to address commercial imports of cattle, not undocumented immigration.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• export 
• hide