Smuggler: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when talking about someone who secretly moves goods across borders in violation of the law.

• The smuggler was arrested while trying to bring illegal drugs into the country

Used when discussing someone involved in the illegal trade of goods or humans, and often has a negative connotation. Commonly associated with illegal drugs, weapons, or human trafficking.

• The police broke up a ring of human traffickers who were exploiting migrants for forced labor

Refers specifically to someone who illegally makes, distributes, or sells goods, especially alcohol or recorded media, without proper authorization.

• During Prohibition, many bootleggers operated underground bars where they sold illegal alcohol

A term used more formally, often in legal or historical contexts, to describe someone involved in the illegal import or export of goods.

• The antiques were seized by customs officials because they were being transported by a known contrabandist