puppet

noun

pup·​pet ˈpə-pət 

often attributive

1

a

: a small-scale figure (as of a person or animal) usually with a cloth body and hollow head that fits over and is moved by the hand

b

: marionette

2

: doll sense 1

3

: one whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence

a puppet ruler

puppetlike

ˈpə-pət-ˌlīk 

adjective

Synonyms

• action figure
• doll
• dolly
• poppet [Midland]

Examples of puppet in a Sentence

a dictator who was perceived as being an American puppet

gave her a puppet with strings for a gift

Recent Examples on the Web

However, the return of Feathers, the little clay puppet with silicone feet and glass pins for eyes, was an afterthought to provide a more sinister force. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 16 Dec. 2024

Well, Rudy Mancuso’s innovative debut has three of the best scenes of the year (and puppets — can’t forget the puppets). —Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

Henson constructs an adorable miniature world for this special using a clever mix of puppets, marionettes, and animatronics, punctuated by soulful tunes by songwriter Paul Williams. —EW.com, 30 Nov. 2024

Sarg was mesmerized, and the experience revived his childhood fascination with puppets. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English popet youth, doll, from Middle French poupette, diminutive of *poupe doll, from Vulgar Latin *puppa, alteration of Latin pupa

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing puppet

• glove puppet
• hand puppet
• puppet regime
• sock puppet

Kids Definition

puppet

noun

pup·​pet ˈpəp-ət 

1

: a doll moved by hand or by strings or wires

2

: doll sense 1

3

: a person or a government whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence