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

But a reasonable viewer would discern this puppet went somewhat further than that. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

Inside, art was everywhere, from abstract works to giant papier-mâché puppet heads. —Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025

Sock puppets and deceptive editing practices have been problems on the site, as with the rest of the internet. —Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 5 Feb. 2025

The frightening Xenomorphs, for instance, were brought to life with methods from animatronics and puppets to the use of fully digital characters. —Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 31 Jan. 2025

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