puppet

American  

[puhp-it] / ˈpʌp ɪt /

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.

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puppet British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• puppetlike adjective

Etymology

Origin of puppet

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

Example Sentences

The puppet of Mother Clanger has returned to the UK to be put on display after being stolen from an exhibition in London more than 50 years ago.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

For the price of a regular movie ticket, the Roxy’s patrons could also watch the singer, the puppet show and the comedian, live.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

Dunk, a hedge knight who cannot abide the strong preying on the weak, might have intervened regardless of his romantic feelings for Tanselle, the Dornish puppet master who treated him kindly.

From Salon • Feb. 25, 2026

Jackie Smook has spent years crafting characters and props for “Dilly’s World,” her whimsical web series and touring theatrical show about a girl confronting big issues with the help of some puppet friends.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2026

Angry, Father reminded me of a carnival toy, a leather fist attached to a coiled spring used in puppet shows.

From "Ella Enchanted" by Gail Carson Levine

Related Words

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