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

• 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 style was play-tested at the Disneyland Resort as an Incredible Hulk figure. —Megan Dubois, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

The back of each box will offer a closer look at how the Jim Henson’s Creature Shop team created the new puppet versions of the beloved monsters. —Erin Clements, People.com, 29 July 2025

Children ages 2 through 5 can jump into their jammies for stories, songs, puppets and more. —Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 28 July 2025

Seeing Anson Mount’s Captain Christopher Pike proudly perched in the venerable Federation starship's center seat as a puppet, complete with his epic head of silvered hair, is truly a rare sight to behold. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 28 July 2025

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