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

The family alleged that numerous eyewitnesses on two separate boats contradict the allegations but were never interviewed before charges were filed. — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026

The family spokesperson said eyewitnesses on two boats contradict the allegations — and weren’t interviewed before charges were filed. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

Nonetheless, fresh eyewitness accounts of the Russia-Ukraine War coupled with Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia suggest that public perception of the war is changing among some conservative Americans. — Mark Temnycky, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

While Victoria continues to deny the allegations, Tom’s account is supported by eyewitnesses, including his band manager, and in some instances, video evidence. — Yamillah Hurtado, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 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