puppet

noun

pup·​pet ˈpə-pət How to pronounce puppet (audio)
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
2
3
: one whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence
a puppet ruler
puppetlike adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Headed by the charismatic and talented Jaroslav Romanchuk, the institute struggled to navigate the complex waters of this Russian puppet state. Alejandro Antonio Chafuen, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 The seating arrangement allows for the poled puppets to move easily through the audience, and folks in the back can see all the action on stage. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2025 Until recently, Iran could rely on its terror puppets in Hezbollah and Hamas and Syria to attack Israel during a confrontation, but those puppets are all gone now, defanged and destroyed. New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025 Since there are actual puppets and sets, a major part of the film can’t be done online. Marta Balaga, Variety, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for puppet

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of puppet was in 1538

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppet. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

puppet

noun
pup·​pet ˈpəp-ət How to pronounce puppet (audio)
1
: a doll moved by hand or by strings or wires
2
3
: a person or a government whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence

More from Merriam-Webster on puppet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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