marionette

noun

mar·​i·​o·​nette ˌmer-ē-ə-ˈnet How to pronounce marionette (audio)
Synonyms of marionettenext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Both characters become haunting part-marionette, part-human hybrids in the process (described aptly as the Lisaonette and the Abbionette by Adams), their limbs lengthening and eyes glowing. Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025 Several new characters from the games — chief among them, a gigantic marionette with a deeply unnerving face — carry just enough interest to sustain your attention for roughly half the feature. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2025 Meanwhile, a team of flat-out-astounding camera-handlers and stagehands flurried around her like puppeteers around a hypercomplex marionette, turning an almost-empty stage into a Technicolor whirlwind of character and story. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025 This snowy themed show, which features about 100 marionettes, includes sledding slopes, caroling penguins and Santa’s workshop. Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for marionette

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of marionette was circa 1620

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Marionette.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marionette. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

marionette

noun
mar·​i·​o·​nette ˌmar-ē-ə-ˈnet How to pronounce marionette (audio)
ˌmer-
: a puppet moved by attached strings or wires
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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