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

In diving into the global web of handlers, financial intermediaries and money launderers bolstering the fake identities, investigators discovered key parts of that machinery operating in Russia. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026

The freewheeling discussions on rewatch podcasts also align with how younger consumers prefer to see their favorite celebrities presented — authentic, unvarnished and free of the restraint of public relations handlers. — Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026

Bringing a defender up to the level of a ball screen creates pressure on the ball handler. — C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 27 Oct. 2026

Companies still face challenges in establishing partnerships with waste handlers that provide transparency on the final disposal of textile waste, an area largely outside their control. — Mayu Saini, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler