eyewitness

noun

eye·​wit·​ness ˈī-ˈwit-nəs 

: one who sees an occurrence or an object

especially : one who gives a report of what has happened

Examples of eyewitness in a Sentence

The police are hoping to locate an eyewitness to the shooting.

He was able to give an eyewitness account of the shooting.

Recent Examples on the Web

Segovia also detailed his interactions with the only eyewitness in the case — Paul Conner, a former UM professor who lived at the Colony Apartments. —Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 4 May 2026

According to News Karnataka, eyewitnesses claimed to see the large animal lift the driver with its trunk before trampling and fatally goring him. —Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 3 May 2026

Palestinian eyewitnesses say Israeli soldiers were on the scene within minutes and did nothing to stop or apprehend the shooter. —Molly Hunter, NBC news, 2 May 2026

According to Hernández’s attorney, Patrick Kolasinski, and at least one eyewitness, officers fired their guns first, prompting a panicked Hernández to try and drive away. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1539, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eyewitness

• fitness
• witness
• unfitness

Kids Definition

eyewitness

noun

eye·​wit·​ness -ˈwit-nəs 

: a person who sees an occurrence and is able to give a report of it

Legal Definition

eyewitness

noun

eye·​wit·​ness

: one who sees an occurrence or object or sometimes experiences it through other senses (as hearing) and usually reports or testifies about it