Word
smuggler
Phoneticssmug·gler
US/ˈsməɡəɫɝ/
UK/smˈʌɡlɐ/
Definition
n. a person who illegally brings goods into or out of a country. They usually do this to avoid paying taxes or to hide something from the law.
n. a person who illegally transports goods across a border or within a country. Often used in the context of illicit trade or the evasion of customs regulations.
Examples
“The smuggler hid the goods in a large container.”
“Customs officials arrested a smuggler who was trying to bring rare artifacts into the country without a permit.”
“Historical accounts often depict the smuggler as a complex figure, simultaneously a criminal who evades the state and a vital link in the local economy during times of high taxation.”
Examples
simple
“The smuggler hid the goods in a large container.”
contextual
“Customs officials arrested a smuggler who was trying to bring rare artifacts into the country without a permit.”
complex
“Historical accounts often depict the smuggler as a complex figure, simultaneously a criminal who evades the state and a vital link in the local economy during times of high taxation.”
Real-World Examples
“With less equipment available, people smugglers have resorted to using bigger boats.” “Smugglers are meeting the demand of a booming black market.” Etymology
From smuggle + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/smuggler