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.
Visiting people in their communities and gaining firsthand insight into Norway’s diverse realities became a fundamental part of their work. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 Fame was of prime importance to the ancient Greeks, and Wilson is the rare classical scholar who has firsthand knowledge of a public life. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 DeGeneres, who has known Meghan for years, had firsthand experience relocating to the UK alongside Portia, and was therefore very helpful. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 24 Aug. 2026 Bass will bring her firsthand account on the show’s place in pop culture. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 24 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 1 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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