handler

noun

han·​dler ˈhan-dᵊl-ər 

ˈhan(d)-lər

1

: one that handles something

2

a

: a person in immediate physical charge of an animal

especially : a person who exhibits dogs at shows or field trials

b

: a person who trains or acts as second for a boxer

c

: a manager of a political or public figure or campaign

Examples of handler in a Sentence

a dog handler and breeder

a politician and his handlers

Recent Examples on the Web

Jennifer Lopez tapped her feet as her handlers held an umbrella, as the show start time tick-tocked to over an hour past. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 30 Sep. 2026

During that time, the pandas will have to adjust to their environment and undergo specialized training with their new handlers, learning some English phrases and commands along the way. — Rashad Williams, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

For global ground handlers operating across dozens of airports, fragmented legacy tools lead to inconsistent service quality and uneven labor efficiency. — Justin Newell, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026

After all, her musclebound handlers have brought along with them an empty casket, and this is the sort of play where a coffin that appears in the first act is definitely going to go off in the third. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler