direct examination

noun

: the first examination of a witness by the party calling the witness compare cross-examination

Examples of direct examination in a Sentence

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The research offers a first direct examination of how various microplastics affect the human gut microbiome. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Oct. 2025 At the center of the case is David Asa Villarreal, who was charged with murder in Texas, and began his direct examination ahead of an adjournment. — Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Oct. 2025 Keefe was asked under direct examination about iPhone tracking, testifying about various locations where Brian Walshe's device was tracked in the days after his wife was reported missing. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 4 Dec. 2025 On a brief direct examination by Angels attorney Daniel Dutko, Hetman was questioned about the criminal trial, in which Leanos was asked about being a potential source of the fentanyl by Kay’s attorneys. — Sam Blum, New York Times, 9 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for direct examination

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direct examination was circa 1859

Rhymes for direct examination

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Browse Nearby Words

directest
direct examination
direct exchange
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Cite this Entry

“Direct examination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20examination. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

direct examination

noun
: the first examination of a witness by the party calling the witness compare cross-examination, redirect examination

Note: As a general rule, leading questions are not allowed on direct examination, but there are exceptions, as when the witness is shown to be hostile.

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