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

Instructors also guided the handlers and offered advice on everything from what kinds of questions to expect in a courtroom to how to interact with their dogs in the field. —Liz Teitz, San Antonio Express-News, 19 Mar. 2026

Additionally, owners, facilitators, and natural medicine handlers all need to be licensed by the state and those licenses must be renewed every year. —Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 18 Mar. 2026

The eatery scored 87 and received final notice for employees not having food handler certificates, and a second notice to fix the warming station. —Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Mar. 2026

The refs weren’t calling many touch fouls so the Rebels aggressively blitzed the Longhorn ball-handlers from beginning to end. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler