Puppet: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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?

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "puppet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 marionete

🇮🇳 कठपुतली (Kathputli)

🇩🇪 Marionette

🇮🇩 boneka

🇺🇦 маріонетка

🇵🇱 marionetka

🇯🇵 操り人形 (ayatsuri ningyō)

🇫🇷 marionnette

🇪🇸 marioneta

🇹🇷 kukla

🇰🇷 인형 (inhyeong)

🇸🇦 دمية (dumyah)

🇨🇿 loutka

🇸🇰 bábka

🇨🇳 木偶 (mù'ǒu)

🇸🇮 lutka

🇮🇸 brúða

🇰🇿 қуыршақ (quyrshaq)

🇬🇪 თოჯინა (tojina)

🇦🇿 kukla

🇲🇽 marioneta

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.

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13266 ebb
13267 truncated
13268 plasticity
13269 puppet
13270 opted
13271 hysteria
13272 intimidation
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