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 policy will still require mail handlers to open each piece of legal mail in front of the inmate, and the photocopies will be handed directly to them. —CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026

On Tuesday, before challenging Martine Moïse’s testimony, Howard sought to show that his client, Arcángel Pretel Ortiz, had been in contact with both the FBI and his handler on the day of the presidential assassination. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Mar. 2026

In October, 2003, Minnelli escaped her handlers and beelined to a bar; she was found some time later lying face-down on Lexington Avenue. —Matt Weinstock, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026

In an email exchange with Futurism, Klawfman’s anonymous human handlers, using the screen name Quiet Operator, assured us there’s no smoke and mirrors, and that the AI agent even came up with the idea on its own. —Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler