Eyewitness

/ˈaɪˌwɪt.nəs/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who sees an event, typically a crime or accident, and can provide a firsthand account of it.
The police are looking for an eyewitness who can describe what happened during the robbery.
A person who has direct knowledge of an event through personal observation.
As an eyewitness to the accident, she was able to give a detailed statement to the authorities.
Someone who can testify about an event based on what they have seen.
During the trial, the eyewitness provided crucial evidence that helped convict the defendant.
A bystander who observes an event and can recount the events as they occurred.
The eyewitness at the scene described how the two cars collided at the intersection.
verb
To be present at and observe an event occur.
He eyewitnessed the parade from the front row, enjoying the vibrant displays.

Etymology

The word 'eyewitness' is a combination of 'eye' + 'witness', likely first used in the early 15th century.

Common Phrases and Expressions

eyewitness account:
A report or statement that describes what an eyewitness saw.
eyewitness testimony:
A legal term referring to evidence given by someone who has directly observed the event.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

eye on the scene
The cops are looking for an eye on the scene to get more details.
first-hander
He's a first-hander on the situation; make sure to ask him.