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

Zhao eventually admitted to accepting nearly $15,000 in bribes for sending sensitive but unclassified military information to his Chinese handler. —Alex Riggins, Mercury News, 13 Aug. 2025

That’s what happened earlier this year, when the former KGB handler made good use of Trump’s obvious desperation to secure a peace deal in Ukraine and an economic reset with Moscow. —Marc Champion, Twin Cities, 13 Aug. 2025

Scientists discovered dogs’ powerful disease-smelling skills in 1989, when a dog detected cancer in its handler. —Rohini Subrahmanyam, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2025

Thanks to donors, the organization provides them at no cost to handlers like Ford and offers lifetime support, including free dog food and preventive veterinary care, according to Emily Dombrowski, the nonprofit’s director of the service dog program. —Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler