1. People who engage in the illegal trade or smuggling of goods that are prohibited or restricted by law.
Usage: Plural form of contrabandist; Often used in historical contexts or discussions of organized crime

Examples

• The contrabandists were caught transporting illegal weapons across the border.
• During Prohibition, contrabandists made enormous profits selling alcohol illegally.
• Customs agents worked to intercept shipments from known contrabandists.
• The contrabandists operated a sophisticated network of underground routes.
• Historical records document how contrabandists evaded colonial trade restrictions.