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 of puppet

• 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

But when Scotty engages the transporter with the puppet in place, the titular transporter accident occurs, turning the entire crew aboard the ship into sentient puppets. — Joe Otterson, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026

Some 1,600 episodes of the puppet show will be restored, as a CGI incarnation of the property enters development and will be shopped to buyers at MIPCOM in October. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2026

Viewers will see Mister Rogers’ familiar sweaters and shoes, Trolley and puppets including Daniel Striped Tiger, Lady Elaine Fairchilde and X the Owl. — Usa Today, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Their stories were told through drawings, comic books, artwork, photographs, letters, even puppets. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026

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