ball handler

noun

: a player who controls the ball in any of various games
especially : a player who is skilled at handling the ball (as in basketball)
ballhandling
ˈbȯl-ˌhan(d)-liŋ How to pronounce ball handler (audio)
-ˌhan-dᵊl-iŋ
noun

Examples of ball handler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Lithuanian rookie had no problem being the team’s primary ball handler or playing off the ball. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 3 June 2026 White said after the game that Portland did a good job attacking matchups, forcing Indiana into rotations and creating foul problems for the Fever's primary ball handlers. Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 And, as the Knicks widened their lead, Reed hobbled off the court, never to return, leaving the inevitabilities to the ball handler, ball thief, and sharpshooter Walt Frazier, who went on to register thirty-six points and nineteen assists. David Remnick, New Yorker, 30 May 2026 Erica Wheeler, who started in place of Ariel Atkins (concussion), scored 10 points with seven assists and was a plus-16 as the primary ball handler after starting the season two for 16 from the field. Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ball handler

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ball handler was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ball handler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20handler. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.

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