firsthand

adjective

first·​hand ˈfərst-ˈhand How to pronounce firsthand (audio)
Synonyms of firsthand
: obtained by, coming from, or being direct personal observation or experience
a firsthand account of the war
… had a firsthand view of the turmoil that wracked the region.William W. Finan, Jr.
firsthand adverb

Examples of firsthand in a Sentence

He gave a firsthand account of the battle. She draws on firsthand experiences for her novel.
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.
His answer was rooted in firsthand experience — Tomlin spent 12 months around Rodgers and came away convinced the veteran quarterback’s attachment to football extends far beyond game day. Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026 The award from OnTheSnow is the result of thousands of firsthand reports that review the terrain, family offerings, and après-ski options at ski areas across North America. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 24 Apr. 2026 But the firsthand accounts from the homeowners and passengers are even wilder. Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026 Conservative audiences extend their trust to people with firsthand knowledge and physical skills, rooted in a specific, nameable place. Nadia Gill, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firsthand

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of firsthand was in 1699

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Cite this Entry

“Firsthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firsthand. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

firsthand

adjective
first·​hand ˈfərst-ˈhand How to pronounce firsthand (audio)
: coming directly from the original source
a firsthand account of the war
firsthand adverb

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