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

Five employee food handler cards were missing, and one food handler card had expired. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025

Her handlers had become careless in her feeding and watering. —Hazlitt, 19 Nov. 2025

As Helen’s enigmatic handler Mrs Reed (Lancashire) is ensnared in a ruthless plot to undermine her position in the Black Doves, Helen is reunited with her best friend Sam (Whishaw). —Peter White, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025

Quinn and his handler, Senior Deputy State Fire Marshal Adam Rounds, graduated from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Canine Training Center and were deemed ready to help investigate the cause of fires. —Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler