first-person

1 of 2

adjective

first-per·​son ˈfərs(t)-ˈpər-sᵊn 

variants or less commonly first person

1

: of, relating to, or occurring in the first person

a first-person narrative

a first-person verb form

2

: experienced as if through the eyes of an avatar (as in a video game)

As 3-D first-person games evolved, … visual verisimilitude improved …

—Ian Bogost

When playing as the lead guitarist in first person mode players will see fans react to how they play.

—Sean Michael

see also first-person shooter

first person

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a set of linguistic forms (such as verb forms, pronouns, and inflectional affixes) referring to the speaker or writer of the utterance in which they occur

b

: a linguistic form belonging to such a set

c

: reference of a linguistic form to the speaker or writer of the utterance in which it occurs

2

: a style of discourse marked by general use of verbs and pronouns of the first person

Examples of first-person in a Sentence

Noun

She always wrote in the first person.

The sentence “I was born in Maine” is written in the first person.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Fenix said USVs deployed first-person (FPV) view uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) in what is believed to be a first in terms of USV and UAV integration. —David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024

The Doom series is so great and consistent that even the 'least awesome' entry is heads and shoulders above other big first-person shooters. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 Dec. 2024

The National World War II Museum Arguably the best World War II museum in the world, this comprehensive collection tells the story of the war that changed the world through impressive multimedia experiences, immersive exhibits, and an eye-popping number of artifacts and first-person detail. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2024

The most controversial aspect of the film is Ross' choice to shoot it from a first-person point of view with a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. —Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1751, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

first person

noun

1

: a set of words or forms (as pronouns or verb forms) referring to the person speaking or writing them

2

: a writing style making use of pronouns and verbs of the first person

first person narration