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

• action figure
• doll
• dolly
• poppet [Midland]

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

Before the town hall kicked off, dozens of protesters gathered on Prospect Avenue outside with a larger-than-life puppet of Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance. —Alison Dirr, Journal Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2024

The 52,000 square foot pink castle is home to an endless labyrinth of caverns, grottos, mariachi bands, volcanos, stage performers, puppet shows, and cliff divers who jump into a 30,000 gallon pool every 20 minutes. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 1 Sep. 2024

Flannigan was given an Officer McGruff puppet and anatomic dolls. —Christopher Goffard, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2024

The control theme seeks to falsely portray Jews as secret puppet masters ruling over others. —Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 8 Aug. 2024

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