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

Synonyms of firsthand

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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.
How to access the archive The National Geographic 9/11 archive is available online and allows users to explore hundreds of videos and firsthand accounts documenting the attacks and their aftermath. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026 The documentary will explore new details about Perry’s private struggles with prescription painkillers and alcohol through firsthand memories from his family and collaborators. — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 Together, these influential voices will offer a firsthand look at the creative ideas, technologies and techniques shaping the future of filmmaking and the talent leading the way. — William Earl, Variety, 1 Sep. 2026 Earlier this year, Secretary of Energy Chris Wright traveled to Caracas in February for a firsthand assessment of the country's oil industry, including tours of the oil industry's infrastructure. — Fritz Farrow, ABC News, 31 Aug. 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

Rhymes for firsthand

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Browse Nearby Words

First Gentleman
firsthand
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Cite this Entry

“Firsthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firsthand. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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