eyewitness

American  

[ahy-wit-nis, ahy-wit-nis, ahy-wit-nis] / ˈaɪˌwɪt nɪs, ˈaɪˈwɪt nɪs, ˈaɪˌwɪt nɪs /

noun

1. a person who actually sees some act, occurrence, or thing and can give a firsthand account of it.

   There were two eyewitnesses to the murder.

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verb (used with object)

1. to view with one's own eyes.

   to eyewitness a murder.

eyewitness British  

/ ˈaɪˌwɪtnɪs /

noun

1. 1. a person present at an event who can describe what happened

   2. ( as modifier )

      an eyewitness account

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Etymology

Origin of eyewitness

First recorded in 1530–40; eye + witness

Example Sentences

For example, errors in memory or suggestive questioning during eyewitness interviews can influence how events are remembered.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

An eyewitness told BBC Scotland News that he tried to tackle the fire at the vape shop but had to abandon the attempt after a series of explosions.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

We know that eyewitness identification is notoriously unreliable.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2026

Through eyewitness accounts Mr. Stern reveals, in harrowing detail, what really happens when PGMs take over the battlefield.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

Yet the printing press alone does not explain the unique authority now given to eyewitness testimony.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• bystander
• observer
• witness