noun
puppeteer
puh-pih-TEER
Puppeteer (noun) means a person who operates puppets, especially as a performer. Example: “The puppeteer worked the marionette so smoothly it seemed alive.”
noun
1
A person who operates puppets, especially as a performer.
"The puppeteer worked the marionette so smoothly it seemed alive."
2
Someone who secretly controls people or events for their own ends.
"The whistleblower revealed the puppeteer behind the shell companies."
verb
1
To control or manipulate someone or something from behind the scenes.
"He puppeteered the negotiations without ever appearing in public."
How to use puppeteer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who works puppets, or figuratively someone who secretly pulls the strings.
Common pairings
skilled puppeteer
shadow puppeteer
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Word forms
- Plural
- puppeteers
- Third person singular
- puppeteers
- Past tense
- puppeteered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ worked the marionette so smoothly it seemed alive.
Etymology
From puppet plus the agent suffix -eer, as in "engineer" or "auctioneer."
Rhymes for puppeteer
See all rhymes for puppeteer →Frequently asked questions
What does “puppeteer” mean?
The word “puppeteer” means a person who operates puppets, especially as a performer. In plain terms, someone who works puppets, or figuratively someone who secretly pulls the strings.
How do you pronounce “puppeteer”?
“Puppeteer” is pronounced puh-pih-TEER (/ˌpʌpəˈtɪ(ə)ɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “puppeteer” in a sentence?
Here is “puppeteer” used in a sentence: “The puppeteer worked the marionette so smoothly it seemed alive.”
What part of speech is “puppeteer”?
Depending on how it is used, “puppeteer” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “puppeteer” have?
“Puppeteer” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who operates puppets, especially as a performer.
