puppet

noun

pup·​pet ˈpə-pət How to pronounce puppet (audio)
Synonyms of puppetnext
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
2
3
: one whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence
a puppet ruler
puppetlike adjective

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
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.
Bird featured John Candy, Chevy Chase and Dave Thomas as well as the marquee puppets. Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026 In the mitt biz, this is broken down into the categories of mitten (looks like a large winter mitten); pincer, which has the thumb flap directly opposing the other fingers like a hand puppet (which is why they’re also called puppet mitts); and glove, which separates all five fingers. Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 2026 Puss in Boots Del Mar The Puss in Boots Del Mar themed land will feature the Swings Over Del Mar wave swinger ride and Mama Luna’s Adopt a Kitty Day puppet show along with the Comidas y Leche eatery, Mercado de Perrito gift shop and Tienda de Dulces candy shop. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 16 June 2026 As the musical handyman and shop owner, Negri performed alongside such guests as Yo-Yo Ma, Tony Bennett and Wynton Marsalis, not to mention beloved puppet King Friday. Greg Evans, Deadline, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for puppet

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of puppet was in 1538

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppet. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

puppet

noun
pup·​pet ˈpəp-ət How to pronounce puppet (audio)
1
: a doll moved by hand or by strings or wires
2
3
: a person or a government whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence

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