Spanish word

marioneta

Pronunciation

IPA/maɾjoˈneta/

Meaning

  • feminine nounpuppet

Example

¿Puedes mover la marioneta?

Can you move the puppet?

Illustration for marioneta (puppet)

More examples

En el festival vimos un espectáculo de marionetas.

At the festival we saw a puppet show.

Core concept

Jointed puppet moved from outside using threads or rods.

Common phrases

  • jugar con la marioneta

    play with the puppet

  • teatro de marionetas

    puppet theater

Similar words

títere: Puppet operated directly by a hand or a rod onstage.
muñeco: Small doll used for children's play or as a decorative figure.

Definition in Spanish

Muñeco articulado que se hace mover desde fuera por cuerdas, hilos o varillas, frecuente en actuaciones y como juguete.

Word origin

Derives from Old French marionette, literally 'little Marion', formed from Marion (a pet form of Marie) plus the diminutive suffix -ette.

Usage tips

  • Frequently used figuratively to describe a person who is controlled by others, so the term can sound insulting in conversation.

Other meanings

  • marionettenoun

Related words

  • marionetistapuppeteernoun
  • marionetearpuppetverb

Word lists with this word