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

• 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

In June, Pitt filed court documents attempting to depose Stoli Group’s Alexey Oliynik, claiming the businessman had firsthand knowledge of the sale. —Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

With the youngest adults who could serve in World War II now 98, there are fewer and fewer people who can provide firsthand accounts of the conflict. —Graham Womack, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2025

From firsthand experience, many countries in Asia are welcoming of Blackness. —Essence, 21 Oct. 2025

It’s not built on theory, but on firsthand experience. —Matt Emma, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

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