puppet

[puhp-it]

noun

1. an artificial figure representing a human being or an animal, manipulated by the hand, rods, wires, etc., as on a miniature stage.

2. a person, group, government, etc., whose actions are prompted and controlled by another or others.

   Synonyms: instrument, figurehead, pawn

3. a small doll.

4. Machinery.,  poppethead.

puppet

/ ˈpʌpɪt /

noun

1. 1. a small doll or figure of a person or animal moved by strings attached to its limbs or by the hand inserted in its cloth body

   2. ( as modifier )

      a puppet theatre

2. 1. a person, group, state, etc, that appears independent but is in fact controlled by another

   2. ( as modifier )

      a puppet government

Other Word Forms

• puppetlike adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of puppet¹

1350–1400; earlier poppet, Middle English popet, apparently alteration of Middle Low German poppe doll < Late Latin puppa, Latin pūpa doll; -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of puppet¹

C16 popet, perhaps from Old French poupette little doll, ultimately from Latin pūpa girl, doll

Example Sentences

Activists have long denounced commissioners as being puppets of the Police Department who are disconnected from the everyday struggles of Angelenos.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The puppet masters dueling for control from behind the scenes aren’t too far removed from the ones we’re living under now.

Read more on Salon

The puppet scenes, bestowing a belated yet supremely deserved spotlight on Abuela Julia, are the most original and haunting aspect of a production that too often flails for effects.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

At the height of its popularity, more than half of Russia’s TV viewers tuned in to its episodes, many of which featured a puppet version of former KGB officer turned politician Vladimir Putin.

Read more on Salon

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, raised concerns that Miran would be seen as a "puppet" who would not be trusted as an independent voice on the Fed board.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• figurehead 
• instrument 
• pawn 
• servant 
• stooge 
• tool