contraband

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

After a visit home, I returned to campus with a stockpile, like a confectionery smuggler crossing state lines with sugary contraband stuffed between sweatshirts in my suitcase.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026

In the 1980s, hip-hop albums felt like contraband.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 2, 2026

According to the ICE website, the HSI investigates global threats, investigating the illegal movement of people, goods, money, contraband, weapons and sensitive technology into, out of, and through the United States.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

It was blowing east into Belarus the night we were out with the patrol and the only boxes the soldiers found in a car were full of Christmas shopping not contraband.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

Commercial ships docking in Alexandria were searched by the police—not for contraband, but for books.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan