verb
Uncommon
smuggle
SMUH-guhl
Smuggle (verb) means to move goods or people illegally across a border or past authorities, avoiding taxes, laws, or detection. Example: “They were caught trying to smuggle diamonds through customs.”
verb
1
To move goods or people illegally across a border or past authorities, avoiding taxes, laws, or detection.
"They were caught trying to smuggle diamonds through customs."
"The novel follows a group who smuggle refugees across the border."
2
To bring something in secretly, not necessarily illegally.
"She smuggled a phone into the exam room."
How to use smuggle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo sneak something (or someone) past a barrier or authority without it being noticed or approved.
Common pairings
smuggle drugs
smuggle goods
smuggle across the border
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- smuggles
- Past tense
- smuggled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They were caught trying to _____ diamonds through customs.
Etymology
From Dutch smokkelen ("to smuggle"), ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to creep" or "slip through."
Rhymes for smuggle
See all rhymes for smuggle →Frequently asked questions
What does “smuggle” mean?
The word “smuggle” means to move goods or people illegally across a border or past authorities, avoiding taxes, laws, or detection. In plain terms, to sneak something (or someone) past a barrier or authority without it being noticed or approved.
How do you pronounce “smuggle”?
“Smuggle” is pronounced SMUH-guhl (/ˈsmʌɡəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “smuggle” in a sentence?
Here is “smuggle” used in a sentence: “They were caught trying to smuggle diamonds through customs.”
What part of speech is “smuggle”?
“Smuggle” is a verb.
Where does the word “smuggle” come from?
The word “smuggle” comes from Germanic. From Dutch smokkelen ("to smuggle"), ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to creep" or "slip through.".
Is “smuggle” a common word?
“Smuggle” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “smuggle” have?
“Smuggle” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move goods or people illegally across a border or past authorities, avoiding taxes, laws, or detection.
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