contraband
word
Definition
Goods that are imported, exported, or owned illegally, especially because their trade is forbidden by law.
Usage & Nuances
Formal and legal term, mostly used when talking about illegal trade (like drugs, weapons, or unauthorized goods). Often used with 'goods' or 'items': 'contraband goods'. Not commonly used in everyday conversation unless discussing crime.
Spanish: contrabandoPortuguese (BR): contrabandoPortuguese (PT): contrabandoChinese (Simplified): 违禁品Chinese (Traditional): 違禁品Hindi: तस्करी का मालArabic: مهرباتBengali: চোরাচালান পণ্যRussian: контрабандаJapanese: 密輸品Vietnamese: hàng lậuKorean: 밀수품Turkish: kaçak malUrdu: اسمگل شدہ مالIndonesian: barang selundupan
Example Sentences
The police found contraband in the truck.
basic
Selling contraband is against the law.
basic
Border officers check for contraband items.
basic
That suitcase looked suspicious—they wanted to make sure it didn’t contain any contraband.
natural
Customs seized over a million dollars in contraband last year.
natural
He was unaware that his suitcase had been used to transport contraband.
natural