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

Staff and handlers helped guide it out. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 6 May 2026

Veteran point guard Shey Peddy missed both of the team’s preseason games with a lower left leg injury, so Van Lith gives the team another primary ball-handler to support rookie Charlisse Leger-Walker through the first several weeks of the season. —Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 6 May 2026

Hours after the terrifying rampage, a similar fatal incident took place at Koodalminikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda when an elephant that had shown signs of restlessness during a ritual procession the night before broke out of its enclosure and attacked its handlers, per News Karnataka. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

Yet, Mayor Brandon Johnson and his handlers at the Chicago Teachers Union want your kids in the streets, not the classroom. —Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler