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

Fort Worth Zoo To prevent the chick from imprinting on humans, zookeepers used reflective shields, protective clothing and even an adult eagle puppet during feedings to mimic natural conditions and reinforce species-specific behaviors. —Sergio Candido, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026

The message about teamwork filters through every aspect of the film — the intricate production design, the large-scale special effects (see it in IMAX) and the puppet making. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026

Following that model means abandoning the democratic opposition within that country and installing a compliant puppet within the context of the existing regime. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

Grogu, who appeared to be a puppet or animatronic, was playfully interacting with his seatmate Hudson, who was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work in Song Sung Blue. —Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 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