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 facility was missing a food manager’s certificate, and California food handler cards were not available for all food-handling employees on site at the time of inspection. —Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025

Health department officials also noted that no one on staff at the restaurant had proper food handler training, city officials said. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2025

But wannabe spectators can watch elite Arabian horses and their expert handlers in action via livestream at https://gcarabianstour.com. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

That case has since been reopened and Malloy went on to become a K-9 handler for the Rhode Island Canine Search and Rescue team and secretary for the Licensed Private Detectives Association of Rhode Island. —Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler