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

The puppet show was saved, according to Tremaine, in the editing room. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 2 July 2026

Pre-movie activities include plant puppet-making and carnivorous plant trivia. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

It is based on a screenplay and directed by the theater’s veteran puppeteer Florian Moch, who has brought the story’s underwater world and colourful community of fish to life through traditional puppetry, crafting most of the puppets himself. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 30 June 2026

Beyond the music, there are festive parades, workshops for making puppets or gardening, a 5K run, yoga, silent discos and much more. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 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