handler

noun

han·​dler ˈhan-dᵊl-ər How to pronounce handler (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Gathered below are images of some of these rescue dogs and their handlers, on the job and in training, from the past several years. Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2025 Dogs can pick up on the scent and will nudge their handler or owner to alert them to an oncoming change in glucose levels. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025 One favorite resident of the facility, Shirley, born in 1948 in Sumatra, made a tremendous impact on her handlers. Angele Latham, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 The handler’s name was Karen, and her dog’s name was Halo. Emily Anthes, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for handler

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handler was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Handler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handler. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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