A leader or ruler chosen by another ruler to head a government, usually under the other ruler's order

plural of puppet leader

A small puppet manipulated from the inside by the puppeteer's fingers.

plural of finger puppet

An army that an invading country forms by recruiting people from already-occupied areas of the country being invaded. / (specifically) Such an army in China during the Sino-Japanese War.

Alternative spelling of puppet show

A show, theatrical performance, in which the parts are played by puppets impersonating human or other characters

plural of hand puppet

plural of meat puppet

A government which is formally independent, but de facto wholly controlled by a foreign power.