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
Commission a dedicated slate of vertical programming across travel, food, sports docs, cultural commentary, and true crime.
—Max Cutler, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
The addition of video has allowed true crime podcasts to provide a lot of interesting additional content and context, such as field interviews and crime-scene photographs, says Jordan Newman, head of content partnerships at Spotify.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
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
What once might have been passive consumption of true crime has, for some, evolved into active participation.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 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
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Max Cutler, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026
The addition of video has allowed true crime podcasts to provide a lot of interesting additional content and context, such as field interviews and crime-scene photographs, says Jordan Newman, head of content partnerships at Spotify.
—Todd Spangler, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026
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
What once might have been passive consumption of true crime has, for some, evolved into active participation.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 21 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
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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