handicapper

noun

hand·​i·​cap·​per ˈhan-di-ˌka-pər How to pronounce handicapper (audio)
-dē-
Synonyms of handicappernext
1
: a person who assigns handicaps
2
: a person who predicts the winners in a contest (such as a horse race)
3
: a person who competes with a (specified) handicap (as in golf)
—usually used in combination
a 5-handicapper

Examples of handicapper 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.
Cook Political Report is shifting four gubernatorial races in Democrats’ favor, the nonpartisan election handicapper said Tuesday, all in states which currently have Republican governors. — Ford McCracken, The Hill, 13 Oct. 2026 Those changes help move the number of possible pickups for Democrats from two to six seats, according to Cook, a nonpartisan election handicapper. — Praveena Somasundaram, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2026 First, let’s hear from Nathan Gonzales, another longtime election handicapper. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026 Bookmakers and handicappers had already counted on defensive tackle Aaron Donald returning to the Los Angeles Rams, so his announcement Sunday didn't change the odds because it already was priced in. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for handicapper

Word History

First Known Use

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of handicapper was in 1751

Rhymes for handicapper

See All Rhymes for handicapper

Browse Nearby Words

handicapped
handicapper
handicraft
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Handicapper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/handicapper. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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