handler
noun
a person or thing that handles.
Jump to:
handler
American
[hand-ler]
/ ˈhænd lər /
noun
-
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
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.
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
The cargo handler on Tuesday posted a profit of $864 million, or $1.02 a share, compared with $1.19 billion, or $1.40 a share, in the same quarter last year.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 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
"Really scared" Pearl unlocked her mum's phone, dialled 999 and told call handler Gen Hinds: "She's lying on the sofa… she's not awake. Her eyes keep on opening and closing."
From BBC • Apr. 10, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
