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Puppet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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puppet

[ˈpʌpɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

play

A puppet is a small figure of a person or animal that you can move by pulling strings or by putting your hand inside it.

Synonyms

doll, dummy, marionette.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
puppet

Duplicate entry
marionette

A type of puppet that is operated with strings from above. Often seen in theatrical performances.

  • The marionette dance was intricate and beautiful.
  • He expertly controlled the marionette on stage.
doll

Used to describe a child's toy that looks like a baby or an adult. Often used for play or decoration.

  • She received a beautiful doll for her birthday.
  • The antique doll was worth a lot of money.
dummy

Used to describe a model or replica of a person, often used for practice or demonstration. Can have a negative connotation when referring to a person, implying lack of intelligence.

  • The car crash test was conducted using a dummy.

Examples of usage

  • I used to play with puppet when I was a child.
  • The puppet show was very entertaining.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

A person, party, or state that is controlled by another person, group, or country.

Synonyms

instrument, pawn, tool.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
puppet

Often used to describe someone who is being manipulated or controlled by another person, usually implying a lack of autonomy or independence. It can also refer to a figurine controlled by strings in a show.

  • He's just a puppet in the hands of the powerful CEO.
  • The puppet show was entertaining for the children.
pawn

Commonly used in a strategic or manipulative context, where someone is used by others to achieve a goal, often at their own expense. This usually has a negative connotation.

  • He felt like a pawn in their political game.
  • In chess, pawns are often sacrificed to achieve a better position.
instrument

Used when referring to a means or agent by which something is achieved or accomplished. This can be literal, such as a musical instrument, or figurative, such as a means to an end.

  • The telescope is an essential instrument for astronomers.
  • Education can be an instrument of change in society.
tool

Refers to an object used to perform a task or a person who is being used by someone else for their purposes, usually with a negative connotation. It can also mean a software application or resource.

  • A hammer is a useful tool for building.
  • She was a mere tool in their scheme.
  • This software tool helps to manage projects effectively.

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of being a puppet of the foreign government.
  • The puppet regime was overthrown by the rebels.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'puppet' comes from the Latin 'pupa,' meaning 'doll' or 'baby,' highlighting its toy-like nature.
  • Puppetry has roots in ancient civilizations, with evidence of puppet shows in ancient Greece and Rome as early as the 5th century BC.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, puppets are used not only for entertainment but also for storytelling and moral education, like in the Indian tradition of Kathakali.
  • Shadow puppetry, a popular form in Asia, uses light and flat figures to create enchanting stories and performances.

Art and Entertainment

  • Famous characters like Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog come from 'The Muppets,' showcasing how puppets can have distinct personalities.
  • Puppetry has expanded into modern media, influencing animation styles and even live-action films with CGI characters.

Psychology

  • Puppets can help people express emotions and thoughts in therapeutic settings, allowing for communication in a safe, indirect way.
  • Children often use puppets in play therapy, enabling them to project their feelings onto the puppet and discuss difficult subjects.

Puppetry Techniques

  • Different types of puppetry techniques include marionettes (controlled with strings), hand puppets (manipulated from below), and rod puppets (moved with sticks).
  • Puppetry combines various art forms like acting, visual art, and storytelling, making it a rich cultural practice.

Origin of 'puppet'

The word 'puppet' originated from the Latin word 'pupa', meaning doll or girl. In the 16th century, 'puppet' was used to refer to a movable model of a person or animal used in a puppet show. Over time, the term also came to be associated with political puppets, referring to individuals or entities controlled by external forces. Today, puppets are widely used in entertainment, education, and as metaphors in various contexts.

See also: pup, pupil, puppy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,269, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.