smuggled; smuggling
ˈsmə-g(ə-)liŋ 
1
: to import or export secretly contrary to the law and especially without paying duties imposed by law
2
: to convey or introduce surreptitiously
: to import or export something in violation of the customs laws
Examples of smuggle in a Sentence
He was arrested for smuggling drugs into the country.
They smuggled immigrants across the border.
The paintings had been smuggled out of the country before the war.
We smuggled his favorite sandwich past the nurse.
Recent Examples on the Web
Violence has been on the rise in Chiapas as cartels fight for control of lucrative routes for smuggling migrants and drugs.
—
Abel Alvarado, CNN, 2 July 2024
Nestor Yglesias, spokesman for U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, said agents believe the migrants were smuggled by boat.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 June 2024
Sheriff’s officials did not indicate what type of drugs were allegedly smuggled into the jail.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 27 June 2024
Now, though, the trade centres on the big ports of the Netherlands and Belgium, and other major container ports, where drugs can be smuggled in among legitimate goods.
—The Week Uk, theweek, 22 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for smuggle 
Abel Alvarado, CNN, 2 July 2024
Nestor Yglesias, spokesman for U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, said agents believe the migrants were smuggled by boat.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 28 June 2024
Sheriff’s officials did not indicate what type of drugs were allegedly smuggled into the jail.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 27 June 2024
Now, though, the trade centres on the big ports of the Netherlands and Belgium, and other major container ports, where drugs can be smuggled in among legitimate goods.
—The Week Uk, theweek, 22 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for smuggle
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'smuggle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near smuggle
Cite this Entry
“Smuggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smuggle. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Legal Definition
smuggle
verb
smug·gle
ˈsmə-gəl
smuggled; smuggling
: to import or export secretly and illegally especially to avoid paying duties or to evade enforcement of laws
smuggle drugs
convicted of smuggling weapons
: to export or import something in violation of customs laws
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