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

Other blue checks chimed in on Four Winds’ new IG post (the original was deleted by Instagram, the store’s social media handler told the New York Times). — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 July 2026

The American Kennel Club said handlers can practice with at-home training and start with books and videos. — Maddie Rhodes, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Presidents and their handlers learned how to combine official government business, which permitted the use of Air Force One, with campaign opportunities. — Peter Kastor, Fortune, 27 July 2026

Even so, Lytton acknowledged that when contamination does occur within large handler networks, the resulting recalls at the distribution level are much broader and harder to manage. — Brandon Gomez, CNBC, 27 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler