marionnette

puppet

noun mah-ree-oh-NET Rare

Origin: diminutive of the name 'Marion'

Usage Note

Marionnette refers to a string puppet (a marionette) or more broadly any type of hand puppet. The phrase théâtre de marionnettes is a puppet theatre. Figuratively, être une marionnette means to be someone who is manipulated by others. The word entered English as 'marionette' directly.

Examples

"Les enfants adorent le spectacle de marionnettes."

Natural Translation

The children love the puppet show.

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