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

Hemming has clear tools as a 6-foot-1, 200-ish-pound winger with real individual skill as both a handler and a shooter and good skating. —Scott Wheeler, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Horses are social animals who relate to each other and their human handlers. —Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025

Any mistreatment or abuse by their handlers will not be tolerated in any capacity. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Jan. 2025

The cubs are now at about 60% of what their handlers expect to be their mature weight. —Evan Mealins, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing handler

• ball handler