firsthand

American  

[furst-hand] / ˈfɜrstˈhænd /

Or first-hand

adverb

1. from the first or original source.

   We heard the news of the accident firsthand from a witness.

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adjective

1. of or relating to the first or original source.

2. direct from the original source.

   firsthand knowledge of the riot.

Etymology

Origin of firsthand

First recorded in 1690–1700; first + hand

Example Sentences

All those players except Gianna Kneepkens were with the squad last season to see firsthand what went wrong.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

“AI favors firsthand experience, specificity and continuously refreshed discussions. So the more activity that is happening around your brand, the more likely you are to be propelled into the conversation.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026

Muir said: "We are already experiencing firsthand the impacts of climate change through the frequent and severe storms we are witnessing and more frequent and extreme flooding events."

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Goldin witnessed these protests firsthand coming up in the New York art scene, watching countless loved ones succumb to a disease that the government refused to address.

From Salon • Mar. 14, 2026

I didn’t really feel bad about anything I’d done, but I did feel sorry that Chas was hurting over Megan, because I knew that feeling firsthand.

From "Winger" by Andrew Smith