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

Firmin explained that her mother made the replacement puppet when the original could not be found.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

Firmin said the person who took the puppet "did the right thing" to confess.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

One kind and patient spectator conscripted to play the school counselor had to remove her shoe to improvise a sock puppet, one of the tools of her empathetic practice.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 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

There’d been no explanation for what she’d done when she’d seen it; her hand had reached out of its own accord as though pulled by a puppet master’s string.

From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray

Related Words

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