marionette

American  

[mar-ee-uh-net] / ˌmær i əˈnɛt /

noun

1. a puppet manipulated from above by strings attached to its jointed limbs.

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marionette British  

/ ˌmærɪəˈnɛt /

noun

1. an articulated puppet or doll whose jointed limbs are moved by strings

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Etymology

Origin of marionette

1610–20; < French marionnette, equivalent to Marion (diminutive of Marie Mary) + -ette -ette

Explanation

Use the noun marionette to describe a puppet that's manipulated with strings from above a stage. You might see a marionette show at a child's birthday party. A marionette is a very specific kind of puppet, one that's operated with sticks and wires or strings that move its arms, legs, and head in a nearly lifelike way. Marionettes have been around for centuries, at least since the ancient Greeks used them around 500 BC. The word marionette means "little little Mary" in French, a reference to one of the earliest known marionette characters, a puppet version of the Virgin Mary.

Example Sentences

In 2019, the Bob Baker Marionette Theater needed a lifeline.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

For 2026, another beloved L.A. institution is on the bill: Bob Baker Marionettes, of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater, are listed on the poster for Friday.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

But on Sunday morning at the Ford Theater, L.A. punk pioneers Juanita y Juan and puppeteers from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater put local kids to the test.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 24, 2025

Sharp: The puppeteers were from the Bob Baker Marionette Theater and they were awesome.

From Salon • Oct. 26, 2023

“You seem rather surprised,” said the little Marionette.

From Adventures in Toyland What the Marionette Told Molly by Hall, Edith King