smuggle
verb (used with object)
to import or export (goods) secretly, in violation of the law, especially without payment of legal duty.
were 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.
Washington has yet to make public any evidence that its targets were smuggling narcotics or posed a threat to the United States.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025
He did not clarify how Border Patrol officers or other law enforcement authorities might determine which people crossing the border were smuggling drugs.
From New York Times ● Jun. 26, 2023
“They were smuggling people as much for defiance as for sport,” said Robertson.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 7, 2019
This made asking customers whether they were smuggling in a large Rowe’s steak pasty an awkward conversation – maybe they just had poor hygiene.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 9, 2018
A few moments later the boys were smuggling their new pet into the house, and up the back stairs.
From Two Little Knights of Kentucky by Johnston, Annie F. (Annie Fellows)
