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 event will feature a musical puppet show, therapeutic music performers and a resource fair. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2025

Under the Ukrainian constitution, any change to the country’s borders must be approved by a referendum – a rule that is in place partly because of Russia’s tendency to install puppet governments in foreign countries. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2025

The talented artists from In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre are leading art-making activities, telling puppet stories and displaying their creations. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 18 Aug. 2025

The shows range from poetry readings to concerts to kids puppet shows, a popular dance/workout class, movie screenings and more. —Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 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