handler
noun
a person or thing that handles.
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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
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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.
"Note designs are typically made public six to eight months ahead of time for global public education and cash handler education purposes," according to the BEP.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
"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
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
According to the report, the call handler was "very emotional and upset" about the incident, but went on to withdraw from the investigation.
From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026
The rezident of the Soviet embassy in Washington approached Victor Cherkashin, a veteran KGB officer and spy handler, as soon as Cherkashin stepped out of his car in the compound's secure parking lot.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
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.
