true crime

noun

: a nonfiction genre of literature, film, podcasts, etc. that depicts and examines real crime cases
Fans of true crime will enjoy this collection of tales from the annals of American justice …—Jennifer Moore
—usually used before another noun
a true crime podcast/documentary/novel
In each episode, legal and criminal justice experts give you the inside scoop on the most shocking true crime stories … to hit the news.—LeeAnn Huntoon
As true crime podcasts, TV shows, books and online content continue to prove popular, cases never truly fade from the spotlight.—Bethany Bruner

Examples of true crime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sainsbury was inspired to create the podcast after devouring hit true crime pods like Serial, The Teacher’s Pet and Amanda Knox’s Blood Money and realizing there was a clear parody angle. — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026 Tips have poured in from as far away as Kansas, with internet sleuths and true crime influencers tracking every theory. — Eileen Murphy, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 The company has also expanded its live TV lineup to include more than 300 channels dedicated to news, sports, reality TV, true crime, and more. — Emma Roth, The Verge, 11 Aug. 2026 Now, the survivor, advocate and true crime influencer is reopening unsolved murders and missing persons cases in an eight-part series. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for true crime

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of true crime was in 1923

Rhymes for true crime

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Browse Nearby Words

true course
true crime
true discount
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Cite this Entry

“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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