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

Researchers observed real-time communication between the drone pilot, the 999 call handler, and a public bystander. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025

Mephistopheles, dispatched by the Devil to serve Faustus, can’t help getting the better of his mortal master, like an infernal Jeeves—or, more to the point, like a handler in the intelligence racket, running an anxious agent in the field. —Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

Raw meat was stored above ready-to-eat vegetables in the cooler, several employees didn’t have Texas food handler cards and employee drinks and personal items were found in the food prep area. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025

Rivera was a paranormal investigator and handler of the real-life Annabelle doll. —Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler