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 series is based on the real-life story of Sweden’s Queen Silvia and King Carl Gustaf. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Vice City is the fictional version of Miami, and the game includes real-life depictions of Ocean Drive, Brickell Avenue, Wynwood and more. — Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

The first episode included a scene with our bookies dealing with a real-life celebrity who owes them money. — Chuck Lorre, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026

Fu Song’s background in user-experience design has shaped an approach that places real-life functionality and structural clarity at the heart of the design process. — Footwear News, 6 Oct. 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