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

• 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

Terri, a 71-year-old cosmetic dentist, roasted Mel through her puppet, a sassy lady named Carly. —Kristen Baldwin, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025

The puppets on Saludos and Sesame Street offered lessons in reading, writing, and counting in English. —Priscilla Blossom, Time, 2 Oct. 2025

The collection, which launched on October 2 and celebrates the 30th anniversary of Pixar’s Toy Story, features a range of men’s, women’s, and unisex pieces inspired by Woody’s Roundup, the fictional puppet show that Woody, Bullseye, and Jessie all starred in in the film. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2025

This dance party for toddlers and preschoolers is packed with silly puppets, cheerful songs, and endless smiles! —Sarah Z. Sleeper, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Sep. 2025

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