Language & Culture
puppet
Computer-generated voice, not a recording. It may differ from the pronunciation guide.
In short
A puppet is a figure moved by a performer using strings, rods or hands. It can also mean a person or organization controlled by someone else.
01 Meaning
What does puppet mean?
Meaning in context
When used about a person or leader, puppet suggests the person lacks real independence.
Easy distinction
A puppet is literally a performance object; the political or personal sense is a metaphor, not a neutral job title.
02 Word origin
Where does it come from?
The English word is related to French poupette, a small doll; the history of the form is recorded in dictionaries.
03 In context
How to use it in a sentence
“The puppeteer lifted the wooden puppet above the stage.”
“When used about a person or leader, puppet suggests the person lacks real independence.”
Sources and updates
- puppet, Cambridge Dictionary. Checked October 20, 2026.
- puppet - Origin and history, Online Etymology Dictionary. Checked October 20, 2026.
- puppet, Wiktionary. Checked October 20, 2026.
Definitions and examples are written in our own words from the sources above. Published .