marionette
UK: ˌmær.i.əˈnet | US: ˌmer.i.əˈnet
n. A puppet controlled by strings attached to its limbs.
n. A person or entity manipulated by others.
The word traces back to 17th-century French "marionnette," originally denoting small religious figurines of Mary in nativity plays. Over time, it generalized to string-controlled puppets, reflecting the cultural shift from sacred to secular entertainment. The suffix "-ette" reinforces the idea of a miniature or artificial version.
The puppeteer skillfully manipulated the marionette’s strings.
Critics accused the politician of being a mere marionette for corporate interests.
Traditional Sicilian marionettes often depict medieval knights.
She collected antique marionettes from European theaters.
The documentary explored the history of marionette theater in Prague.