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

Thomas recalled a 7-year-old Barrymore asking someone on the film’s wardrobe team for a scarf to keep the puppet’s neck warm. —John Russell, Peoplemag, 11 June 2024

That led to his use of remote-control puppets, early robotics and then digital effects. —Ramin Zahed, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2024

For nearly a decade, Ms. Cohen designed the giant puppets that are the centerpiece of the Village Halloween Parade. —Penelope Green, New York Times, 9 June 2024

Okay, here’s the description of the breakup, here’s the introduction of the grandparents, here’s the puppet. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 21 May 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