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

Very solid ball-handler for his size but more of a straight-line driver than dynamic creator or change of direction player. — Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 23 June 2026

One piece uses an iguana carcass the artist scavenged while working as an art handler at the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, placing the body in a coffinlike reliquary. — Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

An employee who was handling food could not provide their food handler card at the Northland restaurant. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 22 June 2026

The facility’s current California food handler cards were not available for review. — Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado june 19, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler