smuggle
[ smuhg-uhl ]
/ ˈsmʌg əl /
Save This Word!
verb (used with object), smug·gled, smug·gling.
to import or export (goods) secretly, in violation of the law, especially without payment of legal duty.
to bring, take, put, etc., surreptitiously: She smuggled the gun into the jail inside a cake.
verb (used without object), smug·gled, smug·gling.
to import, export, or convey goods surreptitiously or in violation of the law.
QUIZZES
THINK YOU’VE GOT A HANDLE ON THIS US STATE NICKNAME QUIZ?
Did you ever collect all those state quarters? Put them to good use on this quiz about curious state monikers and the facts around them.
Question 1 of 8
Mississippi’s nickname comes from the magnificent trees that grow there. What is it?
Origin of smuggle
1680–90; <Low German smuggeln; cognate with German schmuggeln
OTHER WORDS FROM smuggle
smuggler, nounan·ti·smug·gling, adjectiveun·smug·gled, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for smuggle
British Dictionary definitions for smuggle
smuggle
/ (ˈsmʌɡəl) /
verb
to import or export (prohibited or dutiable goods) secretly
(tr; often foll by into or out of) to bring or take secretly, as against the law or rules
(tr foll by away) to conceal; hide
Derived forms of smuggle
smuggler, nounsmuggling, nounWord Origin for smuggle
C17: from Low German smukkelen and Dutch smokkelen, perhaps from Old English smūgen to creep; related to Old Norse smjūga
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012