Puppet
/ˈpʌp.ɪt/noun
A small figure controlled by strings, rods, or hand movements; also, a person easily controlled by others.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from a diminutive of Latin *pupa* (“girl,” “doll”), which also gave English the root behind *pupil*—a reminder that even innocent words can carry ancient ideas of smallness, imitation, and control.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
pupa
“a girl; a doll”
Late Latin
Latin
pupattus / puppa
“a little doll or child figure”
Old French
Old French
poupette / poupée
“a doll”
14th Century
Middle English
popet / puppet
“a doll; a small figure”
Modern English
English
puppet
“a figure manipulated by hand, strings, or other devices; by extension, a person controlled by others”