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

The 6-foot-9 forward who signed a veteran minimum contract showed willingness to pick up opposing ball-handlers full court. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Food can also become contaminated when handlers fail to wash their hands or properly clean food preparation surfaces and equipment, according to the FDA. — Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

While Vision patches himself up from the Paladin fight and suffers through Ultron’s barbs, Paladin patches his own wounds and takes similar guff from his handler. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

The 18-year-old female elephant got loose from her handler outside her enclosure, then went on the run, demolishing the door of a saloon on North Avenue, smashing in the window of another and walking through the fence around a vacant lot. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler