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

To me, that's what was the most interesting thing is the relationship between the handler and their animal. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Although a defibrillator was brought out, the message from the call handler, who was not medically trained, was not to use it and to place Adam in the recovery position rather than starting CPR. —Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2026

The facility’s food handler cards was not available for any food handling employees on site. —Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026

Ex-convict Adèle gets a job as a baggage handler there and quickly realizes that the job requires a lot more than moving luggage from the lobby to the room, as every favor hides a hidden cost and power dynamics shift rapidly. —K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler