marionette

noun

mar·​i·​o·​nette ˌmer-ē-ə-ˈnet 

: a small-scale usually wooden figure (as of a person) with jointed limbs that is moved from above by manipulation of the attached strings or wires

Examples of marionette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are marionettes, masks, shadow puppets and table top puppets. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026

In 1963, Bob Baker and his partner Alton Wood found a run-down scenic shop in downtown Los Angeles to convert into what became a beloved theater where, for the next 5 decades, would surprise and delight guests with marionette shows. —Erica Olsen, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026

Avoid a tourist trap by choosing one displaying the official sticker of a Guignol marionette. —John Brunton, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Feb. 2026

In telling after telling, Dorothy is presented as the docile marionette of whatever man’s pulling her strings at the moment. —Lili Anolik, Vanity Fair, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French marionnette, from Middle French maryonete, from Marion, diminutive of Marie Mary

First Known Use

circa 1620, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for marionette

• electrojet
• plantagenet
• videlicet
• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette

Kids Definition

marionette

noun

mar·​i·​o·​nette ˌmar-ē-ə-ˈnet 

ˌmer-

: a puppet moved by attached strings or wires