# smuggling

/ˈsməɡəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /smˈʌɡlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/smuggling
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. illegal transport of goods

noun · CEFR B2

the act of taking things into or out of a place secretly because it is against the law.

For teachers: the clandestine and illegal conveyance of goods or people across a boundary, typically to avoid customs duties or legal prohibitions.

- The police are trying to stop the smuggling of cigarettes across the border.
- Authorities have increased patrols along the coast to combat the smuggling of illicit substances into the country by small fishing vessels.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the activity, but can be countable when referring to specific instances.

## Examples

- Smuggling is a serious crime in many countries.
- The border guards caught him smuggling gold bars in his suitcase.
- Historical smuggling routes often followed the rugged coastline, allowing merchants to bypass strict port regulations and heavy taxation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.