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

After all, her musclebound handlers have brought along with them an empty casket, and this is the sort of play where a coffin that appears in the first act is definitely going to go off in the third. — Chris Willman, Variety, 24 Sep. 2026

The files show that the informant continued reporting to his intelligence handler while allegedly failing to disclose the full extent of his own involvement in obtaining ammunition for the group. — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 2026

Approximately four employees were missing food handler cards. — Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Junior cybersecurity major Diego Rodriguez is Frankie's handler. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler