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

Jimmy Fallon just became the unexpected star – and puppet master – of the latest episode of Saturday Night Live UK. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2026

There are scenes in the play where Ramos and Bradford operate a pair of space alien puppets, but to say more would spoil the play’s final twists. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

The 30-pound Xanathar puppet creature from the D&D franchise created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop was once again the star of the show. —Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 24 Apr. 2026

Ortiz is also credited as a puppet designer on the 2022 movie Cryptic. —Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 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