smugglers
word · lemma: smuggler
Definition
People who secretly and illegally move goods or people from one place or country to another, usually to avoid laws or taxes.
Usage & Nuances
'Smugglers' is a formal, legal term often used in news or legal settings. Usually refers to people moving illegal goods (like drugs, weapons) or undocumented people. Common collocations: 'drug smugglers', 'human smugglers'. Not to be confused with 'thieves' (who steal) or 'traffickers' (who trade illegally on a larger scale).
Example Sentences
The smugglers hid the jewelry inside boxes of fruit.
basic
Smugglers often use boats to move goods illegally.
basic
The police caught two smugglers at the border.
basic
Local fishermen sometimes spot smugglers late at night.
natural
Those smugglers were running a huge operation for years before getting caught.
natural
Everyone in town knew about the smugglers, but nobody said a word.
natural