ball handler

noun

: a player who controls the ball in any of various games

especially : a player who is skilled at handling the ball (as in basketball)

ballhandling

ˈbȯl-ˌhan(d)-liŋ

-ˌhan-dᵊl-iŋ

noun

Examples of ball handler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The 6-foot guard has the length and physicality to make even the most confident ball handlers feel small. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 29 June 2026 Kroenke appeared to let Adelman off the hook because of complacency, injuries and the lack of ball handlers to navigate pressure. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 May 2026 Victor Wembanyama would park himself by the rim, ball handlers would run the other way and San Antonio would win with its defense. — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 13 June 2026 The Spurs had too many ball handlers for the Wolves’ defense to be able to pressure them into the types of bad possessions that spark energy going the other way for Minnesota. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ball handler

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ball handler was in 1912

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ball gown

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Ball handler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20handler. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

ball handler

noun

Examples of ball handler in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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