ball handler

noun

: a player who controls the ball in any of various games
especially : a player who is skilled at handling the ball (as in basketball)
ballhandling
ˈbȯl-ˌhan(d)-liŋ How to pronounce ball handler (audio)
-ˌhan-dᵊl-iŋ
noun

Examples of ball handler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sheppard still has improvement to make as a point-of-attack defender and poise as a ball handler amid pressure. Kelly Iko, New York Times, 24 July 2025 The Heat needs a ball handler, playmaker in the worst possible way. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 26 June 2025 Edwards has often been considered akin to Wade with an outside shot, an athletic, two-way swingman who can serve as a lead ball handler and scorer. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 June 2025 Bane -- who is also a solid ball handler and plus defender -- is much more than just an excellent shooter, though. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for ball handler

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ball handler was in 1912

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Cite this Entry

“Ball handler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20handler. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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