Definition

1. Noun:
   • The art or practice of making and operating puppets: "Puppetry" refers to the craft of creating puppets and the skill of performing with them in a show.
   • A performance using puppets: It can also refer to the dramatic performance itself, which is often characterized by stylized movements.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The children were fascinated by the intricate puppetry in the show.
  • She studied puppetry to learn how to bring her handmade characters to life.

Advanced Usage

• "The puppetry of [a situation/event]": Used metaphorically to describe a situation where people or events seem to be controlled by an unseen force, as if they were puppets.
  • The political scandal revealed the dark puppetry behind the scenes.

Variants and Related Words

• Puppet (n): A movable model of a person or animal, typically used in puppetry.
  • The puppet was beautifully crafted.
• Puppeteer (n): A person who operates puppets.
  • The puppeteer remained hidden behind the stage.

Synonyms

• Marionette theater: Specifically refers to performances using stringed puppets (marionettes).
• Doll theater: A less common term for performances using doll-like figures.

Related Phrases

• Shadow puppetry: A specific form of puppetry where flat figures are manipulated behind a lit screen.
  • The traditional art of shadow puppetry is captivating.

Related Idioms

• To be a puppet/master of puppetry: While not a direct idiom with the word "puppetry," the concept is central to the idiom "to be a puppet on a string," meaning to be completely controlled by someone else. The art of "puppetry" is the skill behind such control.
  • He was merely a puppet; the real puppetry was conducted by the corrupt officials.

Noun

1. a stilted dramatic performance (as if by puppets)
2. the art of making puppets and presenting puppet shows