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

Related Words

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