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

The docuseries then did the same with nine other actors and their real-life counterparts. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2026

His lens democratizes power the contrived space of the studio set, with the goal of empowering real-life servants. — Damaly Gonzalez, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2026

The exhibitions celebrate both the singalong classic and the story of the real-life Von Trapp family, who fled the Nazis in 1938. — Will Barker, TheWeek, 29 Sep. 2026

Many of them are inspired by the real-life men and women Noe grew up around in his home region of eastern Kentucky. — Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 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