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

Serling’s creative baby teeth were first cut at home with family storytelling, puppet shows, and skits. —Jody Mamone, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025

South Haven Library volunteers were present for puppet show storytelling. —Deena Butterfield, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2025

Visitors will hear rock and roll bands and see interactive dances, acrobatic performances, wildlife puppets, brass bands, wildlife presentations and African dances, music and performances. —San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025

The actress and comedian, a fixture in the worlds of live theatre and comedy for the past quarter century, is best known for her signature Monkey puppet, whose sweet and unexpressive face masks an unfiltered, cynical personality. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 15 June 2025

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