handler
noun
han·dler
ˈhan(d)-lər 
ˈhan-dᵊl-ər
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
Once, when President Clinton was visiting Syria, President Hafez al-Assad’s handlers tried to prevent Clinton’s military aide from riding in an elevator with him.
—
Annie Jacobsen, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024
The ship pilot also interacts with the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service and other ships in the area, and coordinates with the tugboats and line handlers to be able to safely maneuver the vessel close to the pier or when a ship is leaving the berth.
—Allan Post, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2024
At every shoot there were never handlers, or assistants or a PR person.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 29 Mar. 2024
For a groundhog full of surprises, this one has been like no other for Phil’s handlers and the world.
—Emily Hung, NBC News, 28 Mar. 2024
His dad’s handler could be in there right now, wondering what the hell his pet writer’s kid was doing out in the cold.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2024
In the detention memo, prosecutors describe numerous occasions in recent months where Smirnov told his FBI handler about meetings with high-ranking Russian intelligence officials.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024
Servers cut cramped zigzags across the packed ballroom wielding trays of bubbling hot mac ’n’ cheese, truffle pizza and petite cheeseburgers with tiny paper cones full of crisp fries while winners waited with their handlers to see their statues marked with their wins.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024
Video Image In his current job for the last seven years, Mr. McKenzie previously worked as a reptile handler at the Australia Zoo.
—Natasha Frost David Maurice Smith, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024
Annie Jacobsen, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024
The ship pilot also interacts with the Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service and other ships in the area, and coordinates with the tugboats and line handlers to be able to safely maneuver the vessel close to the pier or when a ship is leaving the berth.
—Allan Post, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2024
At every shoot there were never handlers, or assistants or a PR person.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 29 Mar. 2024
For a groundhog full of surprises, this one has been like no other for Phil’s handlers and the world.
—Emily Hung, NBC News, 28 Mar. 2024
His dad’s handler could be in there right now, wondering what the hell his pet writer’s kid was doing out in the cold.
—Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2024
In the detention memo, prosecutors describe numerous occasions in recent months where Smirnov told his FBI handler about meetings with high-ranking Russian intelligence officials.
—Josh Meyer, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024
Servers cut cramped zigzags across the packed ballroom wielding trays of bubbling hot mac ’n’ cheese, truffle pizza and petite cheeseburgers with tiny paper cones full of crisp fries while winners waited with their handlers to see their statues marked with their wins.
—Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024
Video Image In his current job for the last seven years, Mr. McKenzie previously worked as a reptile handler at the Australia Zoo.
—Natasha Frost David Maurice Smith, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'handler.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of handler was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing handler
Dictionary Entries Near handler
Cite this Entry
“Handler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handler. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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