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

For better or worse, Harrison and Zima’s real-life love story will forever be linked to his time spent hosting The Bachelor. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 11 Nov. 2026

Obscured Releasing has acquired UK distribution rights to Straight Circle, starring real-life twins Elliott and Luke Tittensor of House of the Dragon, with Neil Maskell. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2026

The love story is based on the real-life romance between writer and writer and photographer Bill Hayes and celebrated neurologist Oliver Sacks. — Alex Ritman, Variety, 9 Nov. 2026

The film features reenactments, with former members helping the actors bring to life their real-life experiences, exchanges between them and former cult insiders sharing their insights on their past. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Nov. 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