Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who imports or exports goods illegally, especially without paying required duties or taxes: A smuggler engages in the clandestine transportation of items across borders, violating customs laws and regulations.
   • A person who moves people or goods secretly and unlawfully: This can extend beyond commercial goods to include the illegal trafficking of people, prohibited substances, or contraband.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The customs officers arrested a smuggler trying to bring diamonds into the country.
  • Historically, smugglers used small, fast boats to avoid the coast guard.
  • He was known as a drug smuggler operating across the southern border.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a smuggler of [something]": Specifies the type of contraband.
  • She was convicted of being a smuggler of rare antiquities.
• "a gang/ring of smugglers": Refers to an organized group involved in smuggling.
  • The police dismantled a large ring of smugglers.

Variants and Related Words

• Smuggle (verb): To move goods or people illegally into or out of a country.
  • They attempted to smuggle the artwork out of the museum.
• Smuggling (noun): The act or process of smuggling.
  • The government is trying to reduce the smuggling of cigarettes.

Synonyms

• Bootlegger: Often specifically refers to someone who smuggles or sells illicit alcohol.
• Runner: A person who smuggles goods.
• Trafficker: A person who deals or trades in something illegal, especially drugs or people.

Related Phrases

• "to turn smuggler": To become a smuggler.
  • With no other work available, he was forced to turn smuggler.
• "a smuggler's den/cove": A place used by smugglers for hiding goods or operations.
  • The old cave was once a famous smuggler's cove.

Noun

1. someone who imports or exports without paying duties