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noun Uncommon

handler

HAND-luh

Handler (noun) means a person who trains, controls, or works closely with an animal or person in their care. Example: “The police dog and its handler searched the warehouse.”

noun
1
A person who trains, controls, or works closely with an animal or person in their care.
"The police dog and its handler searched the warehouse."
"The boxer's handlers kept reporters away before the fight."
2
In computing, code that responds to a specific event or situation.
"The app crashed because the error handler wasn't written correctly."

How to Use Handler

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone (or something, in software) that manages or is responsible for a particular person, animal, or task.

Common pairings
dog handler event handler his handlers

Word Forms

handlers plural, Handlers plural

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Test yourself on “handler” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The police dog and its _____ searched the warehouse.

Etymology

From "handle" plus the agent suffix "-er" — one who handles something.

manager coach animal trainer

Related Words

Rhymes for handler

See all rhymes for handler →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “handler” mean?

The word “handler” means a person who trains, controls, or works closely with an animal or person in their care. In plain terms, someone (or something, in software) that manages or is responsible for a particular person, animal, or task.

How do you pronounce “handler”?

“Handler” is pronounced HAND-luh (/ˈhænd.lɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “handler” in a sentence?

Here is “handler” used in a sentence: “The police dog and its handler searched the warehouse.”

What part of speech is “handler”?

“Handler” is a noun.

Is “handler” a common word?

“Handler” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “handler” have?

“Handler” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who trains, controls, or works closely with an animal or person in their care.

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