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

District Fish & Pasta 1664 E. 63rd St. 7 critical violations for a June 25 routine inspection None of the four employees at the Brookside area restaurant had food handlers cards, according to the report. —Kansas City Star, 8 July 2025

As for the loyal opposition, Democrats are in bad odor with voters and even many of their own partisans after Joe Biden’s handlers gaslighted the public on the frailty and declining faculties of the octogenarian president. —Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2025

After the handlers let go of the prop, a drum begins to play, and the sphere begins to rise, only to suddenly tilt to one side, and Perry appears to lose her footing. —Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 2 July 2025

The three taxidermied critters reside in Pennsylvania towns, where their human handlers bring them out each February to do their thing. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 2 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler