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

Residents must receive permission to leave, and a handler accompanied us on our visit. —Annie Hylton, New Yorker, 14 May 2026

Today, that pay scale really hasn’t kept up with true costs — the hourly pay for a UPS package handler is reported at about $21, not even double over these nearly 60 years. —Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 May 2026

Within 24 hours, he is expected to kill a man chosen by his handlers. —Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 13 May 2026

These moved beyond the bland and laudatory, offering candid and penetrating portraits of artists and celebrities that stand out in an era where A-listers are guarded by armies of publicists and handlers. —Brent Lang, Variety, 12 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler