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

Marionette costumes often comprise string-like attachments and jointed outfits that enable playful, puppet-like movement. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Oct. 2025

In both France and Russia popular political satire shows with puppets ran afoul of those in power and were pushed off the air. —Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025

Her best friend Glinda Upland (Ariana Grande) has been given the new title of Glinda the Good, and is the Wizard (Geff Goldblum) and Madam Morrible's (Michelle Yeoh) puppet. —Rachel Choy, Refinery29, 3 Oct. 2025

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