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

That case has since been reopened and Malloy went on to become a K-9 handler for the Rhode Island Canine Search and Rescue team and secretary for the Licensed Private Detectives Association of Rhode Island. —Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

Working as a pony handler, he was hailed as a hero for trying to stop the attack and died while trying to grab one of the gunmen’s weapons. —Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 24 Apr. 2025

Other advanced goodies for 1962 included four-wheel disc brakes and four-wheel independent suspension that, together with rack-and-pinion steering, made the Elan quite a handler. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025

Michael Pena, 28, driving his Mercedes-Benz 83 mph in a 25 mph zone, blasted through a red light just before he t-boned victim Justin Diaz as the younger man drove a BMW to his baggage handler job at LaGuardia Airport at about 4:15 a.m. on Feb. 26, according to prosecutors. —Ellen Moynihan, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler