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

Though Agnes’ feelings for Garth are quite obvious to viewers — and her pearl-girl friend Daisy (Lucy Halliday ), who also happens to have Garth as her Mayday handler — what Garth thinks about Agnes is much less clear. —Jennifer Maas, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026

The Lightning robot also crashed into a barricade, fell and waited for its handlers to set it upright. —Deni Ellis Béchard, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026

The partnership connects the nonprofit’s guide dog training with the realities of modern air travel, giving puppies firsthand experience in the spaces their future handlers will need to navigate. —Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026

There could also be a roster change if Smith decides to have Andrei Kuzmenko, a good puck-handler and offensive-zone presence, dress for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair torn meniscus in late April. —Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler