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

Nothing says summer like a family-friendly puppet show presented for free on a gorgeous, warm evening in a scenic Alameda park. — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2026

The latter come courtesy of Gravy, a puppet Dirnt used back in the day to entertain his pals on the road that inspired a cinematic counterpart. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

As the title suggests, Jim Henson’s puppets are front and center with Dorothy Gale (Ashanti), an aspiring singer who gets caught in a tornado after sharing her demo with the Muppets. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Aug. 2026

Instead of Larys pulling strings, Ormund is the puppet master. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 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