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
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.
Wild and kitschy shows followed with opening fetes dedicated to colorful subjects including Andy Warhol, circus clowns, and Canadian television creators and puppeteers Sid and Marty Krofft. Lina Lecaro, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 Resigned to sleeping outside, Dunk also manages to sneak into a party held by the rowdy Ser Lyonel Baratheon (Daniel Ings) to scrape together some food and catches the eye of a cute puppeteer named Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford). Jordan Moreau, Variety, 19 Jan. 2026 Directed by Ash Winkfield, an all-Black cast of puppeteers portrays the stories of individual dolls inspired by Hoyt’s collection, from antebellum cloth dolls to a Thomas Edison talking doll. Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026 The experience will allow guests to come face-to-face with the legendary beholder Xanathar, which was created by the masterful puppeteers at Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 15 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppeteer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppeteer. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

puppeteer

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

More from Merriam-Webster on puppeteer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster