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

This includes 27 baggage handlers, 23 service agents, four supervisors, one facility manager and one lead supervisor. —Chase Jordan updated November 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025

After a multi-agency search, a police dog handler found her naked body concealed under palm fronds at a sports ground just beyond a wire fence near the caravan park — six days after she was last seen, the newspaper reported. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025

California food handler cards were not available for review. —Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 2025

The Los Angeles Lakers opened Wednesday with an unfortunate injury update, listing Austin Reaves — the team’s primary ball-handler and playmaker alongside Luka Doncic — as questionable for their matchup against the San Antonio Spurs due to right groin soreness. —Rowan Fisher-Shotton, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler