smuggle
verb (used with object)
to import or export (goods) secretly, in violation of the law, especially without payment of legal duty.
was smuggling
-
past progressiveof smuggle.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While in the Middle East, Cooper led efforts to intercept military equipment that Iran was smuggling to its proxy groups throughout the region.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 12, 2026
There was no overt evidence that Abrego Garcia was smuggling immigrants across the country, as prosecutors now claim.
From Slate ● Jun. 9, 2025
Navy captured 14 sailors off the coast of Somalia when it intercepted and sank their boat, which the government says was smuggling Iranian missile components, including a warhead, to the Houthis.
From New York Times ● Feb. 22, 2024
That was the case with Ricardo Diaz, whom agents say was smuggling migrants along the border in California when they tried to stop his BMW on Oct.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 27, 2022
Maybe, just maybe, the book Klaus was smuggling could save their lives.
From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket
