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 noun

a 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

As true crime podcasts, TV shows, books and online content continue to prove popular, cases never truly fade from the spotlight.

—Bethany Bruner

Examples of true crime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

My favorite summer TikTok trend is one that spoofs Netflix true crime dramas by applying their narrative formula to mundane, everyday situations. — Monica Hesse, Washington Post, 31 July 2026

There’s plenty of debate over whether true crime as a genre is inherently exploitative. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026

Shaquille O’Neal executive produces ID’s newest true crime offering, a limited series that resurfaces six of the most shocking murders in sports history. — Erin Lassner, HollywoodReporter, 27 July 2026

Netflix’s true crime documentary A Toxic Love Story, which premiered on July 23, dives into the case with unseen footage and interviews. — Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for true crime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime