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.
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
Yet firsthand accounts from former inmates and international observers tell a radically different story.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
If Tina Knowles’ hands-on approach at influencer events was any sign, Cécred focuses on credibility and longevity, driven by firsthand experiences with the product, rather than relying on typical campaigns that heavily depend on elusiveness and hype.
—Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
From producer Ryan Reynolds and director Colin Hanks, this TIFF premiere features firsthand accounts from the Planes, Trains & Automobiles star’s family and the likes of Steve Martin, Tom Hanks and Catherine O'Hara.
—Jack Smart, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
The students spent their Fridays hearing firsthand stories from New Orleanians who lived through the catastrophe and its aftermath.
—Janee Bolden, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firsthand
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.
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2025
If Tina Knowles’ hands-on approach at influencer events was any sign, Cécred focuses on credibility and longevity, driven by firsthand experiences with the product, rather than relying on typical campaigns that heavily depend on elusiveness and hype.
—Braedon Montgomery, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
From producer Ryan Reynolds and director Colin Hanks, this TIFF premiere features firsthand accounts from the Planes, Trains & Automobiles star’s family and the likes of Steve Martin, Tom Hanks and Catherine O'Hara.
—Jack Smart, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025
The students spent their Fridays hearing firsthand stories from New Orleanians who lived through the catastrophe and its aftermath.
—Janee Bolden, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for firsthand
Cite this Entry
“Firsthand.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firsthand. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
firsthand
adjective
first·hand
ˈfərst-ˈhand
: coming directly from the original source
a firsthand account of the war
firsthand
adverb
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share