What does smuggle mean?
Smuggle means to move goods or people secretly, usually in breach of laws, regulations, or official restrictions. Its best-known use concerns illicit trade, including the movement of contraband, drugs, or unauthorized migrants across borders. The verb can also describe concealing a person from authorities or introducing an object discreetly into a place. In informal contexts, it may have a playful or affectionate sense, as in smuggling a gift or a kiss to someone. The related noun “smuggler” denotes a person who engages in such activity, while “smuggling” names the practice or activity. Smuggle is especially useful because it combines the ideas of secrecy and unauthorized movement: something is not merely hidden or carried, but deliberately passed into or out of a place while avoiding scrutiny. The term appears frequently in reports on border security, organized crime, customs enforcement, and human trafficking.
To move goods or people secretly, especially in violation of laws, regulations, or official restrictions.
"Investigators believed the company had smuggled undeclared components into the country."
The verb is usually transitive. It frequently describes the movement of contraband, controlled goods, or unauthorized people, and it commonly appears with directional expressions such as “into,” “out of,” and “across.”
An act or instance of secretly moving goods or people in violation of laws or restrictions.
"Police said the suspect was involved in a multimillion-dollar drug smuggle."
The countable noun is less common than the gerund “smuggling,” which is normally used for the activity as a whole.
The noun is countable, though “smuggling” is more usual when referring generally to the illicit activity.
"The report described two separate drug smuggles involving the same shipping route."
Smuggle comes from a Dutch word for stowing away—long before cinema made secret cargo a familiar cliché.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does smuggle come from?
Smuggle entered English in the 17th century from Dutch smokkelen, meaning to stow away or move something secretly. Its early development was closely associated with avoiding customs duties, official inspection, or other legal restrictions. Dutch smokkelaar and German schmuggeln and Schmuggler belong to the same modern word family, which also produced the English agent noun smuggler.
Related word forms
How smuggle is actually used
The word is most strongly associated with illegal or unauthorized movement, particularly of goods, contraband, or people. It is normally transitive and often takes a destination with “into,” “out of,” or “across.” The playful sense of introducing something discreetly is informal but established, especially in expressions involving food, gifts, affection, or small personal items. The noun is less frequent than the verb and the gerund “smuggling.”
Easily confused with smuggle
Smug describes someone who is self-satisfied or pleased with their own success, whereas smuggle means to move something or someone secretly, often illegally.
Smuggle means to move goods or people secretly, while snuggle means to hold or lie closely together affectionately.