puppetry

noun

pup·​pet·​ry ˈpə-pə-trē How to pronounce puppetry (audio)
plural puppetries
1
: the production or creation of puppets or puppet shows
2
: the art of manipulating puppets

Examples of puppetry in a Sentence

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.
The exclusive entertainment continues with Disney’s Hercules, a new musical featuring jaw-dropping puppetry, plus two standout adult venues (De Vil’s Piano Lounge and The Sanctum bar) designed for theatrical cocktails long after the kids are in bed. Josh Roberts, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026 The stage show will feature an original story and songs, incorporating stage-to-video interaction, acrobatics, aerial choreography, illusion, dance and puppetry. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Jan. 2026 Alongside her, child actors dance and frolic with shadow puppetry in the land of make-believe, where youths go on adventures and learn math, science and reading skills. Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026 Each year’s offerings vary, but the festivals feature an international mix of site-specific and immersive live theater performance, dance, puppetry, art installations and hands-on activities for children. Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for puppetry

Word History

First Known Use

1528, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of puppetry was in 1528

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppetry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppetry. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on puppetry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!