puppet

noun

pup·​pet ˈpə-pət How to pronounce puppet (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: a small-scale figure (as of a person or animal) usually with a cloth body and hollow head that fits over and is moved by the hand
2
3
: one whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence
a puppet ruler
puppetlike adjective

Examples of puppet in a Sentence

a dictator who was perceived as being an American puppet gave her a puppet with strings for a gift
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The show uses everything from patriotic rallies to kids’ puppet shows to an ice-skating performance branded with the name of the omnipresent corporation Vought International to parallel real life. Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025 With international artists, oversized puppet floats, interactive workshops and concerts, this free, non-competitive festival turns Craiova into a dreamlike playground for all ages. Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025 At times, folks see animated sea creatures, live actors, puppets and special effects at the same time. Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2025 The path to achieving this goal was already a digressive one, weaving together singing competitions, cloned dogs and a bald-capped Fielder breastfeeding from a giant puppet. Alison Herman, Variety, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for puppet

Word History

Etymology

Middle English popet youth, doll, from Middle French poupette, diminutive of *poupe doll, from Vulgar Latin *puppa, alteration of Latin pupa

First Known Use

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of puppet was in 1538

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppet. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

puppet

noun
pup·​pet ˈpəp-ət How to pronounce puppet (audio)
1
: a doll moved by hand or by strings or wires
2
3
: a person or a government whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence

More from Merriam-Webster on puppet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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