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.

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 Word Forms

• puppetlike 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

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, said Miran would be seen as a "puppet" who would not be trusted as an independent voice.

From BBC

The very idea that the puppet government in Kabul had something to say about it or was a party to any serious discussions about ending the war was absurd.

From Los Angeles Times

Matt Vernon, from Beat Carnival in Belfast, said his group would be performing with puppets to commemorate Sonny Blacks, "a key member of Notting Hill Carnival in the early days".

From BBC

“Woke executives killed it, wrapped the corpse in a rainbow flag, and then made it do a little puppet show in New York City for the entertainment of all their woke little friends.”

From Los Angeles Times

But some have called for him to go further, saying his continued involvement with El Sistema makes him the president's "puppet and henchman".

From BBC

Related Words

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