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

The stop-motion armatures/puppets were constructed by Mackinnon and Saunders, who worked with Burton previously on Mars Attacks!, Corpse Bride and Frankenweenie. —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

See five Fiona fairies in Fairyland, a black light puppet show, a light show on Swan Lake and more. —Jordan Kellogg, The Enquirer, 24 Nov. 2024

Here, we are introduced to the process of creating the puppets out of both silicone and clay. —Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 22 Nov. 2024

Feathers, meanwhile, is a clay puppet with silicone feet. —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 21 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