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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

Several videos have compounded the confusion, including one made public Thursday that appeared to show a security dog identifying the suspect, only to have the dog’s handler ignore the warning.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

During the phone conversation, the call handler tried to tell the councillor about "disruptive sounds" on the line and asked her to repeat certain information.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026

“As soon as they get the scent, they’re on it, they’re eager, and they’re pretty quick to get to work,” said Deputy Gabriel Jasso, Keva’s handler.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 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

He was an excellent ball handler, even though he was raw and seemed never to pass.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John

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