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 podcast genres that were most frequently hosted by women include true crime, arts, society and culture (which the researchers put into one category), news and education.
—Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
The series is billed as being akin to a true crime docuseries with Jimmy Olsen from Superman hosting (played by Skyler Gisondo in the summer blockbuster directed by James Gunn).
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
Framed as a broadcast true crime documentary made after Salazar’s trial, this brilliant lo-fi effort enlists several more talking heads to balance out the whodunnit.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 7 Nov. 2025
However, as the show continues to capture audiences with a dramatization of one of the most notorious true crime cases in modern American history, the man responsible for the killings is asking viewers to consider watching with a skeptical mind.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Private equity or streamers look to a familiar slate of celebrity profiles or true crime docs.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
Red Seat Ventures, which acts as Tubi Media Group’s in-house creator services company, has a robust business around true crime, with podcasts from Chris Hansen (of To Catch a Predator fame) and Nancy Grace among its clients.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
But overall, Devil in Disguise is a rare example of responsible true crime drama.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Now, half a century after Moxley’s death, an explosive new podcast from NBC News Studios and Highly Replaceable Productions is questioning every conclusion that law enforcement, Greenwich residents, reporters, and true crime buffs have drawn about what transpired that cold October night in 1975.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
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Anastasia Tsioulcas, NPR, 11 Nov. 2025
The series is billed as being akin to a true crime docuseries with Jimmy Olsen from Superman hosting (played by Skyler Gisondo in the summer blockbuster directed by James Gunn).
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 10 Nov. 2025
Framed as a broadcast true crime documentary made after Salazar’s trial, this brilliant lo-fi effort enlists several more talking heads to balance out the whodunnit.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 7 Nov. 2025
However, as the show continues to capture audiences with a dramatization of one of the most notorious true crime cases in modern American history, the man responsible for the killings is asking viewers to consider watching with a skeptical mind.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Private equity or streamers look to a familiar slate of celebrity profiles or true crime docs.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 3 Nov. 2025
Red Seat Ventures, which acts as Tubi Media Group’s in-house creator services company, has a robust business around true crime, with podcasts from Chris Hansen (of To Catch a Predator fame) and Nancy Grace among its clients.
—Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
But overall, Devil in Disguise is a rare example of responsible true crime drama.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Oct. 2025
Now, half a century after Moxley’s death, an explosive new podcast from NBC News Studios and Highly Replaceable Productions is questioning every conclusion that law enforcement, Greenwich residents, reporters, and true crime buffs have drawn about what transpired that cold October night in 1975.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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