English Explanatory Dictionary

marionette

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A puppet, usually made of wood, which is animated by the pulling of strings.
  2. The buffel duck.
verb
  1. To control (somebody) as if they were a puppet; to manipulate.

Pronunciation

/ˌmæɹi.əˈnɛt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-marionette.wav

Word forms

marionette marionettes marionetting marionetted

Etymology

Borrowed from French marionnette. The word had originally meant a small statue of the Virgin Mary, then also a puppet of her used in religious theatrical presentations, finally generalised to any puppet.

Related words

manipulator

Derived words

marionettelike marionette line marionettish marionettist Muppet Supermarionation supermarionette
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