Smuggle: meaning, definitions and examples

illegal transport

To smuggle means to move goods illegally into or out of a country. This often involves sneaking items across borders to avoid customs duties or regulations. Smuggling can include a wide range of activities, from transporting narcotics to trafficking in endangered species. It is considered a criminal act and can lead to severe penalties if caught. The term is also used more broadly to refer to any illicit activity involving secrecy and deception.

bring in illicitly, contraband, illegally transport, traffic.

Examples of usage

• They were caught trying to smuggle drugs across the border.

• He had to smuggle the documents out of the country.

• Reports indicate that many wildlife species are smuggled for illegal trade.

• She was arrested for attempting to smuggle humans into the country.