SKIP TO CONTENT

handler

/ˈhændlər/
/ˈhændlə/
IPA guide

Other forms: handlers

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."

Definitions of handler
  1. noun
    an agent who handles something or someone
    “the senator's campaign handlers
    see moresee less
    type of:
    agent
    a representative who acts on behalf of other persons or organizations
  2. noun
    one who trains or exhibits animals
    synonyms: animal trainer
    see moresee less
    types:
    tamer
    an animal trainer who tames wild animals
    type of:
    trainer
    one who trains other persons or animals
  3. noun
    (sports) someone in charge of training an athlete or a team
    synonyms: coach, manager
    see moresee less
    examples:
    John Joseph McGraw
    United States baseball player and manager (1873-1934)
    types:
    baseball coach, baseball manager
    a coach of baseball players
    basketball coach
    a coach of basketball players
    conditioner
    a trainer of athletes
    football coach
    a coach of football players
    hockey coach
    a coach of hockey players
    tennis coach
    a coach of tennis players
    batting coach
    (baseball) someone who teaches batters how to bat better
    line coach
    an assistant football coach in charge of the linemen
    pitching coach
    an assistant baseball coach in charge of pitchers
    type of:
    trainer
    one who trains other persons or animals
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘handler'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family