puppeteer

USAGE SUMMARY

'puppeteer' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who manipulates puppets, such as a ventriloquist, marionette operator, or hand-puppet performer. For example: "The puppet show was particularly entertaining because of the skillful puppeteer behind the marionettes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These are actors playing real instruments but pretending to be puppets, with a puppeteer up on a gantry above pulling the strings.

The Economist

A type of shadow play called nang talung, in which a single, seated puppeteer moves small puppets of individual figures with movable arms, is very popular in southern Thailand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is uncertain whether the shadow theatre is indigenous to Java or was brought from India, but the wayang kulit technique of having a single seated puppeteer who manipulates puppets, sings, chants narration, and speaks dialogue seems to be an Indonesian invention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The standing puppeteer either sways the puppet with his arms or he dances with it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After all, a person whose will was utterly random, responsive neither to her nor to the reasons she had for doing things, would be a person no freer (in the relevant sense) than a person whose will was fully and directly controlled by someone else as a puppeteer might control a puppet.

SEP

When the chief puppeteer comes to Washington, the puppets prance".Ralph Nader on the power of the Israeli lobby.

The Economist

The translucent screen can be interpreted as heaven, the banana-log stage as earth, the puppets as man, and the puppeteer as god, and the Pandawas can symbolize the manifold attributes of righteous behaviour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The puppeteer can choose one or another puppet of the same character, coloured gold or black or with a stern or relaxed countenance, to indicate the mood of the figure in a particular scene.

Encyclopedia Britannica

March 22, 1879 Karlovy Vary, Czechoslovakia July 4 , 1948Vienna, Austria Richard Teschner, (born March 22, 1879, Carlsbad, Bohemia, Austria-Hungary died July 4, 1948, ViennAustria-Hungary diedr who developed the artistic potentialities of the July 4 , 1948puppet for western puppet theatre.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In puppet performances the narrator (dalang) is also the puppeteer and the principal artist of the show.

Encyclopedia Britannica

4. any bit with doc brown in it not many people know that doc brown in the film was actually a puppet who was controlled by the famous dutch puppeteer jim henson and i think that this just makes all of the bits he is in even more special to watch because of the way they were able to make him thrash about and scream just like a real person even before special effects existed.�� 5.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "puppeteer" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the manipulative aspect of the person or organization being described.

Common error

Avoid using "puppeteer" excessively in formal writing where a more neutral term like "coordinator" or "facilitator" might be more appropriate, unless the intention is to emphasize manipulation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "puppeteer" is as a noun, referring to a person who manipulates puppets. It can also function as a verb, meaning to control someone like a puppet. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

40%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "puppeteer" primarily refers to someone who manipulates puppets, but it also carries a figurative meaning, describing someone who manipulates others. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is both correct and frequently used in English, appearing in sources like encyclopedias and news media. While it is grammatically straightforward, understanding its connotative implications is crucial. When describing actual puppet performances, it is neutral. However, when used metaphorically, "puppeteer" suggests a controlling and often negative influence. Related terms include "manipulator", "controller" and "marionette operator".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

puppet master

Emphasizes control and manipulation, often with negative connotations.

éminence grise

French term for a powerful advisor who operates behind the scenes.

marionette operator

Focuses specifically on operating marionettes, a type of puppet.

the power behind the throne

Highlights that the true ruler is not who people assume it to be.

behind-the-scenes influencer

Highlights the hidden nature of their control.

string puller

Highlights the act of influencing events from behind the scenes.

power broker

Emphasizes the ability to influence political or economic decisions.

manipulator

General term for someone who controls others for their own benefit.

controller

Broader term for someone who has authority or influence.

influence peddler

Specifically refers to someone who uses their influence for personal gain.

FAQs

How can I use "puppeteer" in a sentence?

You can use "puppeteer" to describe someone who controls puppets, as in "The skilled puppeteer brought the characters to life". Figuratively, it can describe someone who manipulates others, such as "The politician was accused of being a puppeteer, controlling the decisions of his subordinates".

What's the difference between a "puppeteer" and a director?

While both "puppeteer" and director involve guiding performers, a "director" typically works with human actors and a broader creative vision. A "puppeteer" specifically manipulates puppets, often with a focus on physical performance and character embodiment through the puppet.

What can I say instead of "puppeteer"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "manipulator", "controller", or "influence peddler" to describe someone who exerts control over others. For literal puppet manipulation, "marionette operator" is a good alternative.

Is it always negative to call someone a "puppeteer"?

While the term "puppeteer" often carries negative connotations, implying manipulation and control, it is not always inherently negative. In the context of performing arts, it simply describes someone who operates puppets. However, in figurative usage, it usually suggests a hidden and potentially unethical form of influence.