guignol

noun

gui·​gnol

gēnˈyȯl,

-yōl

plural -s

sometimes capitalized

1

: puppet

especially : hand puppet compare marionette

2

: puppet show

3

: a theatrical production featuring melodramatic tension, horror, and shock

Word History

Etymology

French, probably after Guignol, reputed name of a silkworker of Lyons and character of the puppet theater which Laurent Mourquet installed there for the earliest performance (in 1795) of French puppet shows

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now