one who trains or exhibits animals
"The skilled handler led the lion through its routine performance at the circus."
One who handles something (especially manually) or someone.
"The security guard acted as a handler for the celebrity, guiding them through the crowded airport terminal."
In plain English: A handler is someone who takes care of and controls an animal, especially during competitions or performances.
"The police dog's handler guided him through the crowd to locate the missing child."
Usage: A handler is specifically an agent, such as a dog trainer or circus performer, who manages and directs another person's animal through commands rather than physical force. Do not confuse this role with the general verb "to handle," which simply means to touch or manage something without implying professional training duties.
A surname.
"The Handler family has lived in that house for three generations."
The word handler comes from Middle English and originally meant someone who handles or manages something. It entered the language as a straightforward combination of the verb "handle" and the agent suffix "-er.