handler
noun
a person or thing that handles.
Showing results for handler.
handler
American
[hand-ler]
/ ˈhænd lər /
noun
-
handlers
plural
-
a person or thing that handles.
-
Boxing. a person who assists in the training of a fighter or is the fighter's second during a fight.
-
a person who exhibits a dog in a bench show or field trial.
handler
1
British
/ ˈhændlə /
noun
-
a person, esp a police officer, in charge of a specially trained dog
-
a person who handles some specified thing
a baggage handler
-
a person who holds or incites a dog, gamecock, etc, esp in a race or contest
-
the trainer or second of a boxer
Handler
2
British
/ ˈhændlə /
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of handler
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
The BBC revealed the attacks were ordered on behalf of Russia, with an anonymous handler known as EL promising payment to Carpiuc's accomplice, Roman Lavrynovych.
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026
Phil Demers, a former Marineland handler, like many people who the BBC spoke to, said the end of Marineland is "bittersweet".
From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026
She described Noah with affection and told the call handler she had been concerned about Noah's mental health, saying he "had not been himself at all" during the previous week.
From BBC ● Sep. 15, 2026
But something got to me, and I felt a pang of empathy for the humanoid being dragged off the stage by its human handler.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
He was confused now, but Dessie could hold his bit and point him, the way a handler points a thoroughbred at the barrier to show his breeding and his form.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
“That’s the nature of the vast majority of family offices,” said David Handler, a trust and estates lawyer at Kirkland & Ellis.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026
Meanwhile his son, Jack, won the Young Handler world title with his dog, Cydros Boss.
From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026
Big cheers to Chelsea Handler for taking up a travel etiquette cause we can probably all agree on: bare feet on planes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
Anna Handler will serve as conductor in residence for the next three years, starting with the 2026-27 season.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026
Mrs. Handler was quiet and thoughtful after Malcolm’s departure.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
The public will still phone 999, but calls will be assessed and handlers may pass them onto other emergency services or health and social care staff.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
While Husted is well cocooned by his handlers at this point, his campaign issued a statement in which Husted said he “would not have run that ad.”
From Slate ● Oct. 24, 2026
She allegedly filmed their home and vehicles and reported information back to handlers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026
Call off the swarms of lawyers and PR handlers, the howling about railroading and witch hunts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
His handlers scurried around, trying to coax him into moving.
From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
