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 nounJennifer Moorea 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
LeeAnn HuntoonAs true crime podcasts, TV shows, books and online content continue to prove popular, cases never truly fade from the spotlight.—Bethany Bruner
Bethany BrunerExamples of true crime in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For fans of true crime, Raftery has written a fascinating biography and origin story about one of pop culture’s most emblematic serial killers, and his lasting bite on society.
—Costa Beavin Pappas, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Microdramas are associated with low-cost romance, but producers are now expanding into thrillers and true crime and adapting premium IP, added GammaTime’s Alex Montalvo.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Producers of true crime podcasts started walking the streets.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Blame should be on the offender and more attention, and print, should be brought on the true crimes that got them to this ultimate result.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026
As any true crime aficionado knows, the first 48 hours after a crime occurs are the most crucial for detectives to solve the case.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
The oral arguments Wednesday were the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and books.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
The descriptions of dead bodies on the true crime podcasts gross me out, but to see it in person is something else entirely.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Set in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1978, this work of fiction explores the true crimes of Ted Bundy through the lens of the survivors, rather than his victims.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
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Costa Beavin Pappas, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
Microdramas are associated with low-cost romance, but producers are now expanding into thrillers and true crime and adapting premium IP, added GammaTime’s Alex Montalvo.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 27 Feb. 2026
Producers of true crime podcasts started walking the streets.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 18 Feb. 2026
Blame should be on the offender and more attention, and print, should be brought on the true crimes that got them to this ultimate result.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026
As any true crime aficionado knows, the first 48 hours after a crime occurs are the most crucial for detectives to solve the case.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
The oral arguments Wednesday were the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and books.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
The descriptions of dead bodies on the true crime podcasts gross me out, but to see it in person is something else entirely.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Set in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1978, this work of fiction explores the true crimes of Ted Bundy through the lens of the survivors, rather than his victims.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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