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

Food handler cards were not available for all the employees. —Sacbee.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Meanwhile, a team of flat-out-astounding camera-handlers and stagehands flurried around her like puppeteers around a hypercomplex marionette, turning an almost-empty stage into a Technicolor whirlwind of character and story. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025

An early review of his social media and messaging channels has not revealed links to foreign handlers or extremist groups. —Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 1 Dec. 2025

The show reports that Delta has not laid off—and does not plan to lay off—baggage handlers due to the new technology. —Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler