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
The three-day CrimeCon, held this year at Caesars Palace, recognizes true crime content in TV, film, podcasts and publishing.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 May 2026
These include Bear Grease, hosted by Clay Newcomb, which explores southern outdoor culture and new release Blood Trails, a true crime series.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 May 2026
Rinella also hosts The MeatEater Podcast twice a week, alongside MeatEater’s Clay Newcomb hosting Bear Grease as a sports podcast and the true crime podcast release Blood Trails.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026
NBCUniversal via Getty Images Before true crime podcasts began having a moment, there was Chris Hansen.
—Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The sordid tale of the Murdaughs unfolded in the public eye during a boom in true crime media, when actual instances of death and deception could hardly keep up with the demand for packaging and repackaging sinister stories of shocking human behavior.
—Andrea Marks, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026
Netflix's new true crime documentary is missing several details about the 2022 crash that killed teens Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan.
—Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Shaik also loves horror and sci-fi movies as well as listening to true crime podcasts.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
This true crime story is about a high-speed crash in a small town and the shocking swerve, when the 17-year-old driver, Mackenzie Shirilla, was convicted of intentionally murdering her boyfriend and another boy in the car.
—Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
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Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 May 2026
These include Bear Grease, hosted by Clay Newcomb, which explores southern outdoor culture and new release Blood Trails, a true crime series.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 May 2026
Rinella also hosts The MeatEater Podcast twice a week, alongside MeatEater’s Clay Newcomb hosting Bear Grease as a sports podcast and the true crime podcast release Blood Trails.
—Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2026
NBCUniversal via Getty Images Before true crime podcasts began having a moment, there was Chris Hansen.
—Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
The sordid tale of the Murdaughs unfolded in the public eye during a boom in true crime media, when actual instances of death and deception could hardly keep up with the demand for packaging and repackaging sinister stories of shocking human behavior.
—Andrea Marks, Rolling Stone, 25 May 2026
Netflix's new true crime documentary is missing several details about the 2022 crash that killed teens Dominic Russo and Davion Flanagan.
—Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 22 May 2026
Shaik also loves horror and sci-fi movies as well as listening to true crime podcasts.
—Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026
This true crime story is about a high-speed crash in a small town and the shocking swerve, when the 17-year-old driver, Mackenzie Shirilla, was convicted of intentionally murdering her boyfriend and another boy in the car.
—Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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