smuggling — the practice of moving goods illegally into or out of a country
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the practice of moving goods illegally into or out of a country
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsmʌɡlɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The chocolate smuggling operation was uncovered when the border guard noticed the suspicious smell of cocoa coming from the 'vegetable' truck.
- Wildlife smuggling threatens endangered species around the world.
- He was caught smuggling 50 rubber ducks in his coat pockets, claiming they were 'emotional support animals'.
smuggling
NOUN[/ˈsmʌɡlɪŋ/]
the practice of moving goods illegally into or out of a country
Border guards uncover smuggling: stacks of cigarettes hidden inside a truck's secret compartment.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from 17th-century Dutch 'smokkelen', meaning 'to move secretly'. The term emerged during the Dutch Golden Age of maritime trade, where it specifically referred to the covert transport of goods to evade customs duties and tariffs.
Breakdown
Dutch 'smokkelen' (to move secretly) → English 'smuggle' (with suffix -le indicating repeated or continuous action), ultimately from a root meaning 'secret movement'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The chocolate smuggling operation was uncovered when the border guard noticed the suspicious smell of cocoa coming from the 'vegetable' truck.”
“Wildlife smuggling threatens endangered species around the world.”
“He was caught smuggling 50 rubber ducks in his coat pockets, claiming they were 'emotional support animals'.”
“International cooperation is essential to combat cigarette smuggling.”
📚Related Words
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