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Definition of puppet noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

puppet

noun
 
/ˈpʌpɪt/
 
/ˈpʌpɪt/
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  1. a model of a person or an animal that can be made to move, for example by pulling strings attached to parts of its body or by putting your hand inside it. A puppet with strings is also called a marionette.
    • a puppet show
    see also glove puppet, hand puppet, sock puppet
    Extra Examples
    • How do you work these puppets?
    • a puppet controlled by strings
    Topics Games and toysc1
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • finger
    • glove
    • hand
    • …
    verb + puppet
    • manipulate
    • work
    • make
    • …
    puppet + noun
    • play
    • show
    • theatre/​theater
    • …
    See full entry
  2. (usually disapproving) a person or group whose actions are controlled by another
    • The occupying forces set up a puppet government.
    • The king was a mere puppet of the mayor.
    Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective
    • mere
    verb + puppet
    • control
    • manipulate
    puppet + noun
    • government
    • king
    • regime
    • …
    See full entry
    3. Word Originmid 16th cent. (denoting a doll): later form of poppet, generally having a more unfavourable connotation.
See puppet in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary
Check pronunciation: puppet

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