marionette

American  

[mar-ee-uh-net] / ˌmær i əˈnɛt /

noun

1. a puppet manipulated from above by strings attached to its jointed limbs.

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marionette British  

/ ˌmærɪəˈnɛt /

noun

1. an articulated puppet or doll whose jointed limbs are moved by strings

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Etymology

Origin of marionette

1610–20; < French marionnette, equivalent to Marion (diminutive of Marie Mary) + -ette -ette

Example Sentences

As if fixed to the same marionette bar, the serpents moved as one, tightening around the raft.

From Literature

He starts toward us with the awkward gait of a marionette.

From Literature

Metz’s workshop is directly behind Fairyland’s puppet stage, and it’s a mini marionette museum, filled with books, pictures and, of course, puppets.

From Los Angeles Times

Christmas lights glisten, a communal tree beckons to be decorated and a marionette handler wanders the grounds.

From Los Angeles Times

When she forced a cheery smile, she took on the appearance of a badly painted marionette.

From Literature