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noun Uncommon

smuggling

Smuggling (noun) means the act of illegally moving goods or people across a border or past authorities. Example: “Customs officers uncovered a smuggling operation at the port.”

noun
1
The act of illegally moving goods or people across a border or past authorities.
"Customs officers uncovered a smuggling operation at the port."

How to Use Smuggling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe crime or practice of sneaking things past border controls or laws.

Common pairings
drug smuggling a smuggling ring human smuggling

Word Forms

smugglings plural

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Customs officers uncovered a _____ operation at the port.

Related Words

Rhymes for smuggling

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “smuggling” mean?

The word “smuggling” means the act of illegally moving goods or people across a border or past authorities. In plain terms, the crime or practice of sneaking things past border controls or laws.

How do you use “smuggling” in a sentence?

Here is “smuggling” used in a sentence: “Customs officers uncovered a smuggling operation at the port.”

What part of speech is “smuggling”?

“Smuggling” is a noun.

Is “smuggling” a common word?

“Smuggling” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between smuggling and trafficking?

Smuggling refers to illegally moving goods or people across a border or past authorities, while trafficking typically involves exploitation, such as through force or coercion, beyond simply moving someone.

What is commonly smuggled?

Smuggling can involve goods, such as restricted or contraband items, as well as people being illegally moved across a border.

Is smuggling always related to crossing a national border?

Smuggling most often refers to moving goods or people across a national border, but it can also mean moving something illegally past authorities or checkpoints more generally.

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