verb

smuggle

SMUH-guhl

verb

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."

To bring something in secretly, not necessarily illegally.

"She smuggled a phone into the exam room."

How to Use Smuggle

Learner’s notes

In 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

smuggled past tense, smuggles singular

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Can you complete this real example?

They were caught trying to _____ diamonds through customs.

From Dutch smokkelen ("to smuggle"), ultimately from a Germanic root meaning "to creep" or "slip through."

juggle snuggle struggle