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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- handlers
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.
Synonyms
View more →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.
