puppet

noun

pup·​pet ˈpə-pət How to pronounce puppet (audio)
Synonyms of puppetnext
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
b
: marionette
2
: doll sense 1
3
: one whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence
a puppet ruler
puppetlike
ˈpə-pət-ˌlīk How to pronounce puppet (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of puppet

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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 puppet show was saved, according to Tremaine, in the editing room. — Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 2 July 2026 Bird featured John Candy, Chevy Chase and Dave Thomas as well as the marquee puppets. — Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2026 Beyond the music, there are festive parades, workshops for making puppets or gardening, a 5K run, yoga, silent discos and much more. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2026 Pre-movie activities include plant puppet-making and carnivorous plant trivia. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing puppet

Browse Nearby Words

pupoid
puppet
puppeteer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Puppet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/puppet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
: doll sense 1
3
: a person or a government whose acts are controlled by an outside force or influence

More from Merriam-Webster on puppet

Nglish: Translation of puppet for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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