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 of puppet

• doll

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

As the musical handyman and shop owner, Negri performed alongside such guests as Yo-Yo Ma, Tony Bennett and Wynton Marsalis, not to mention beloved puppet King Friday. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 June 2026

Includes art projects such as making a finger-puppet mascot for your favorite team, creating a soccer ball and field collage, and more. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 10 June 2026

Other works include wearable pieces that are embroidered and feature patchwork to reflect the artist’s culture and heritage, sculptures made of textiles, a fabric book, puppets and more. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026

More than half a million Americans cast their vote in support of the stamp featuring Fred Rogers with the King Friday XIII puppet, a character from his Neighborhood of Make-Believe. —Brooke Barnett, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 June 2026

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