handler

noun

han·dler | \ ˈhan(d)-lər

, ˈhan-dᵊl-ər\

Definition of handler

1 : one that handles something

2a : 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

The K9s were nominated by TSA handlers from airports around the country. — Lori Aratani, Washington Post, "Meet Alfie: TSA’s cutest K-9," 26 Aug. 2019 Guiding Ralphie around the field pregame and after halftime is a prestigious honor at Colorado, and the program of handlers has its own coaching staff to ensure student safety. — Torrey Hart, SI.com, "The Greatest Mascots in College Football History," 12 Aug. 2019 They’re carried in the arms of handlers down the catwalk and back, their walks narrated by a British-accented announcer. — Raisa Bruner, Time, "Opera, Leopard Prints and Lace. Go Inside the Lavish Cat Fashion Show that Puts Felines on Fashion's Front Lines," 8 Aug. 2019 In November 2017 a strike by German cargo-handlers stranded a shipment of IBM mainframe computers at Frankfurt airport. — The Economist, "DigitisationDigitisation is helping to deliver goods faster," 11 July 2019 Some dogs could also be taken in by their former handlers. — Joshua Goodman And Manuel Rueda, Fox News, "Colombia honors 14 sniffer dogs at emotional retirement," 21 Sep. 2018 The informant met Tomas at a shopping center parking lot at mile marker 99.6 with $60 given to him by his Monroe Sheriff's Office handlers. — David Goodhue, miamiherald, "He had heroin to sell, cops say — and picked the wrong customer | Miami Herald," 21 May 2018 Their careers typically last nearly a dozen years and retiring dogs are taken in by handlers or offered through a national adoption program. — Kevin Spear, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando International Airport tops for bomb dogs," 13 Apr. 2018 In the showmanship arena, judges are paying more attention to the handler than the heifer or lamb or steer. — Denise Coffey, courant.com, "Connecticut’s Fair Season Starts," 7 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'handler.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.