firsthand

adjective

first·​hand ˈfərst-ˈhand 

: 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

• primary
• direct
• immediate

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

Between these firsthand testimonies from veterans, his own medical miracle, and the spiritual experience, Perry became convinced that helping legitimize ibogaine should be his life’s mission. — Michelle Lhooq, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

Any retailers with operations across the border may already have firsthand experience handling such a transition. — Brian Delp, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Walk through the camps, speak with soldiers, and get a firsthand look at daily life during the American Revolution. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 6 Aug. 2026

That allowed the Longs to have a firsthand look at the inner workings of a television show, one that has won 13 Emmy Awards. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1699, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for firsthand

• armband
• backhand
• bandstand
• baseband
• broadband
• command
• cropland
• demand
• disband
• dreamland
• expand
• farmhand

Kids Definition

firsthand

adjective

first·​hand ˈfərst-ˈhand 

: coming directly from the original source

a firsthand account of the war

firsthand adverb