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

The White House, Department of Justice and multiple members of congress condemned the handlers that enabled the situation at SJSU. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 Dec. 2025

Ultimately, the officer and Bowie were assigned to SWAT detail, a job generally reserved for the best handlers and canines. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Dec. 2025

So Biden’s corrupt handlers decided that Rollins would recuse herself and the Shelley Joseph case would be taken over by the new Democrat US attorney in Providence, Zachary Cunha, who had previously worked in the Boston office. —Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 24 Dec. 2025

Sorbello and Reilly will star as the hosts who disagree on the creative direction of the season when the bachelorette, Ava Cleary, develops unexpected feelings for her talent handler, Luke Sheppard. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler