puppeteer

noun

pup·​pe·​teer ˌpə-pə-ˈtir How to pronounce puppeteer (audio)
: one who manipulates puppets

Examples of puppeteer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Accompanied by boisterous drumming, puppeteers swept through the foyer and up the stairs with thunderous artistry. Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026 John Tartaglia, a multi-award-winning actor, director, writer, puppeteer, producer and creator for television and theater, will host the awards and Regina Spektor will perform. Kennedy French, Variety, 25 Feb. 2026 She is aided by her husband who helps record and occasionally functions as a puppeteer, an additional editor, a composer, a designer and a babysitter, whose help allows her the time to record. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026 The trial was held after Duncan, also known as Dunk, struck Prince Aerion for breaking a puppeteer's fingers. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for puppeteer

Word History

First Known Use

1915, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of puppeteer was in 1915

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Cite this Entry

“Puppeteer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppeteer. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

puppeteer

noun
pup·​pe·​teer ˌpəp-ə-ˈti(ə)r How to pronounce puppeteer (audio)
: one who works puppets

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