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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

Yet Harding has been warmly welcomed by Salonen, Dudamel and Handler, all of whom know him well.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Liana Handler is a recent graduate of the University of Florida, where she studied journalism with a minor in Spanish.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

A young conductor, Anna Handler, has been appointed conductor-in-residence.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

Christopher Halpin is stepping down as IAC’s chief operating and financial officer, and Kendall Handler will stop serving as chief legal officer, IAC said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

Daniel Handler in a bunny costume, Amy Tan as a farmer, and Allen Ginsberg as a clown.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

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