Meaning of the word "puppet state" in English

What does "puppet state" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

puppet state

US /ˈpʌp.ɪt steɪt/
UK /ˈpʌp.ɪt steɪt/

Noun

a country that is officially independent but is in reality controlled by another country

Example:
Historically, many smaller nations have been reduced to the status of a puppet state by larger, more powerful empires.
The newly formed government was widely seen as a puppet state, lacking true autonomy.