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• handler
  handler

  noun

  a person or thing that handles.
• Handler
  Handler

  noun

  Daniel . born 1970, US writer for older children, best known for the macabre humour of his A Series of Unfortunate Events , a sequence of books written in the persona of Lemony Snicket

handler

American  

[hand-ler] / ˈhænd lər /

noun

1. a person or thing that handles.

2. Boxing. a person who assists in the training of a fighter or is the fighter's second during a fight.

3. a person who exhibits a dog in a bench show or field trial.

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handler ¹ British  

/ ˈhændlə /

noun

1. a person, esp a police officer, in charge of a specially trained dog

2. a person who handles some specified thing

   a baggage handler

3. a person who holds or incites a dog, gamecock, etc, esp in a race or contest

4. the trainer or second of a boxer

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Handler ² British  

/ ˈhændlə /

noun

1. Daniel . born 1970, US writer for older children, best known for the macabre humour of his A Series of Unfortunate Events , a sequence of books written in the persona of Lemony Snicket

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Etymology

Origin of handler

1350–1400; Middle English. See handle, -er ¹

Explanation

A handler is someone whose job involves dealing with a particular object, like a baggage handler at the airport. When you're responsible for handling or taking care of something, whether it's food or insurance claims, you're a handler. Other kinds of handlers manage people or animals — a dog handler is a type of trainer, for example. And some political advisors are also known as handlers: "The President had his handlers answer all the reporters' questions."

Example Sentences

"By only recruiting a rescue dog, it's a win-win -- giving a dog the chance of a new life while helping our iconic koalas," Innovation for Conservation director and handler Russell Miller said.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

She described the call as a "really bad line" and apologised if she had upset the call handler as it was "not my intention".

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

They also gave tribute to co-stars David Doyle, who played the Angels’ handler John Bosley, and John Forsythe, who voiced the unseen Charlie.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

Another nephew, Carlos Malpica Flores, managed the legislature’s finances, a first step to becoming handler of the family purse.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Outside, other soldiers were laughing at the handler.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs

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