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

• direct
• immediate
• primary
• unmediated

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

Over the four episodes, viewers get a firsthand look at what can happen when a teenager is indoctrinated with toxic messages about masculinity. —Samantha Mann, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025

Norwalk’s firsthand experience found that shelters, which are supposed to provide a pathway to stability, were largely a revolving door that led people right back onto the streets. —Matt Fleming, Oc Register, 1 Apr. 2025

Their firsthand knowledge can be a gold mine of practical advice and lessons learned. —Razzak Jallow, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Having bird feeders in your yard can give you a firsthand look at the amazing creatures that make our ecosystems function with ease. —Abby Fribush, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 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