contraband — goods that are imported or exported illegally
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: goods that are imported or exported illegally
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkɑːntrəbænd/
Example Sentences
- The airport scanner detected contraband chocolate in the passenger's bag - apparently, his diet was that strict!
- Border patrol agents intercepted a shipment of contraband electronics.
- The prison guards found contraband cell phones hidden in the inmates' mattresses.
contraband
NOUN[/ˈkɑːntrəbænd/]
goods that are imported or exported illegally
Customs officers discover contraband hidden inside hollowed-out books at the harbor.
Contra Band plays with contraband - illegal goods as instruments!
Contraband changes hands while the band plays loud
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Spanish 'contrabanda', derived from Italian 'contrabbando'. The word combines the prefix 'contra-' (against) with 'band' (related to proclamation or edict), originally referring to goods prohibited by official decree.
Breakdown
contra- (against) + band (proclamation/edict) = contraband (goods traded against official prohibition)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The airport scanner detected contraband chocolate in the passenger's bag - apparently, his diet was that strict!”
“Border patrol agents intercepted a shipment of contraband electronics.”
“The prison guards found contraband cell phones hidden in the inmates' mattresses.”
“During the war, coffee became contraband and was more valuable than gold.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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