real-life

adjective

ˈrē(-ə)l-ˈlīf 

: existing or occurring in reality : drawn from or drawing on actual events or situations

real-life problems

real-life drama

Examples of real-life in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s this negativity bias on steroids that happens with the algorithms online, which has real-life terrible outcomes and effect. — Chris Willman, Variety, 13 July 2026

The Whistle Stop Cafe is the real-life restaurant behind the movie, tucked into the small town of Juliette. — Justin Brown, AJC.com, 12 July 2026

To make the digital instruction feel authentic, Huang used motion-capture technology to record the movements of real-life dance teachers — with their permission. — Chloe Veltman, NPR, 11 July 2026

Yet, in a surprising departure from the real-life Caroline’s historical hatred of Native Americans, this version of the character ultimately befriends White Sun and teaches Good Eagle. — Max Gao, IndieWire, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for real-life

• alewife
• birdlife
• folklife
• housewife
• jackknife
• midlife
• midwife
• nightlife
• penknife
• wildlife
• afterlife
• pocketknife

Kids Definition

real-life

adjective

: happening in reality : being like real life