marionette

noun

mar·​i·​o·​nette ˌmer-ē-ə-ˈnet 

: a small-scale usually wooden figure (as of a person) with jointed limbs that is moved from above by manipulation of the attached strings or wires

Examples of marionette in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Celebrate World Puppetry Day: Make your own silly bird marionette. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2025

Three of the figures were made of fine clay and had adjustable heads with holes in them that may have been controlled using a string, much like a marionette puppet. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2025

In Vienna, guests can choose a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, a visit to the Children’s Museum, a marionette show, a bike ride, a strudel-making demonstration, or a Mozart-Schumann concert. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 6 Feb. 2025

And an artistic couple, Edith and Alex, contend with friction in their relationship as Edith, a gifted puppeteer, rehearses a marionette show and prepares to travel to Italy on tour. —Ben Kenigsberg, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French marionnette, from Middle French maryonete, from Marion, diminutive of Marie Mary

First Known Use

circa 1620, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for marionette

• electrojet
• plantagenet
• videlicet
• abet
• asset
• baguette
• banquette
• barbette
• beget
• beset
• brevet
• briquette

Kids Definition

marionette

noun

mar·​i·​o·​nette ˌmar-ē-ə-ˈnet 

ˌmer-

: a puppet moved by attached strings or wires