puppet

[ puhp-it ]

noun

1. an artificial figure representing a human being or an animal, manipulated by the hand, rods, wires, etc., as on a miniature stage. Compare hand puppet, marionette.
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.

puppet

/ 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

Other Words From

• puppet·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of puppet¹

1350–1400; earlier poppet, Middle English popet, apparently alteration of Middle Low German poppe doll < Late Latin puppa, Latin pūpa doll; -et

Word History and Origins

Origin of puppet¹

C16 popet, perhaps from Old French poupette little doll, ultimately from Latin pūpa girl, doll

Example Sentences

There’s dancing, and there’s singing, and there’s jumping up and down on tables, and all of the other characters become like puppets in Japanese theater.

From Los Angeles Times

Musk and Kimmel have been at it since last week when the Tesla CEO called the comedian an “insufferable nonsense propaganda puppet.”

From Los Angeles Times

Coulier played the basement-dwelling Uncle Joey, a struggling stand-up comedian who used the catchphrase “Cut it out” and a puppet to help teach the Tanner girls life lessons.

From Los Angeles Times

Romero, who hosted neighborhood meetings, recruited local clergy to the cause, and helped park vendors threatened by gang members, orchestrated weekend festivals that included singers, dancers and puppet masters.

From Los Angeles Times

The tech billionaire also expressed similar views on music and entertainment celebrities endorsing “the Kamala puppet” days prior to the election.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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