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

To depict the robotic lives of its citizens, Currie and team employ clever stagecraft involving puppets (designed by Saskia Bakker) and rhythmic, repetitive dialogue. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026

All of the puppets in the show, naturally, are from Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 9 Sep. 2026

And the handcrafted, surreal warmth of Henson’s puppets and Muppets is a useful touchpoint when thinking about what the future of robots, literally, can look like. — Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026

The company does topical political protest shows using music, acting, masks, puppets and community spirit. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 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