poppet

[ pop-it ]

noun

1. Also called poppet valve. Machinery. a rising and falling valve consisting of a disk at the end of a vertically set stem, used in internal-combustion and steam engines.
2. British Dialect. a girl or child (used as a term of endearment).
3. Nautical. any of the vertical timbers bracing the bow or stern of a vessel about to be launched.
4. poppit.
5. poppethead.

poppet

/ ˈpɒpɪt /

noun

1. a term of affection for a small child or sweetheart
2. Also calledpoppet valve a mushroom-shaped valve that is lifted from its seating against a spring by applying an axial force to its stem: commonly used as an exhaust or inlet valve in an internal-combustion engine
3. nautical a temporary supporting brace for a vessel hauled on land or in a dry dock

Word History and Origins

Origin of poppet¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English; earlier form of puppet

Word History and Origins

Origin of poppet¹

C14: early variant of puppet

Example Sentences

“A poppet looks like a doll but is filled with magic.”

From Literature

“Oh, it’s not meant as an offense, poppet. Beautiful ladies are always associated with the Crown Prince—you should be flattered that you’re attractive enough to be considered his lover.”

From Literature

Oh, yes: The house’s proprietor is a retired dollmaker, whose magnum opus is the titular, ­demented-looking poppet — one you wouldn’t expect to see on any sane person’s bookshelf, let alone in the toy aisle.

From Washington Post

By the time we reached book four, Goblet of Fire, we were seeing do-gooding Hermione’s Society for the Promotion of Elfish Welfare formed in response to the bond slavery of these sock-loving poppets.

From The Guardian

“No, that it isn’t my poppet” cried his nurse, getting crosser and showing signs of slapping him.

From Literature