Jump to:

• 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.

---

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

---

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

---

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

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

"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

Related Words

• assistant
• broker
• commissioner
• deputy
• lawyer
• minister
• officer
• operative
• operator
• promoter
• representative
• worker