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
Court documents said Mr. Ledezma-Avila admitted he was smuggling illegal immigrants.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 1, 2023
The papers — which the father was smuggling out of his office, a briefcase-full at a time — would become known as the Pentagon Papers, the sprawling, classified history of the Vietnam War.
From New York Times ● Jan. 28, 2018
Ruth was smuggling her laughter behind her hands.
From "Homesick" by Jean Fritz
