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

As Stravinsky’s puppets awaken to human emotion, the score weaves seamlessly through corresponding tracks from DAMN. —Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Feb. 2026

Other ads, paid for by a shadowy pro-government organization with Fidesz ties, depict Magyar as a puppet of Zelensky and the EU who would sell out the country to foreign interests and draw Hungary into the war. —Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Wisener has previously worked behind the scenes at Ochre House as an understudy and prop and puppet builder. —Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 25 Feb. 2026

There are gigantic puppets used in street theater and outdoor pageantry. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 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