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

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

She creates levity in the videos by having colorful animated backgrounds, through the use of puppets and by singing songs throughout.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Razelle Swimmer carried around a puppet of the Swedish Chef from the Muppets, brandishing knives and wearing an apron that said “Eat the Rich.”

From Los Angeles Times

He began tossing things out —a Ping-Pong paddle, a cowboy hat, a hand puppet, swim fins.

From Literature

Related Words

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