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
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
No one is complaining about Patricia Arquette leading yet another true crime account for the small screen.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 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
The pair announced competition format Model Creator and true crime series Cr1me C0de during the market.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 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
From the moment Lester’s body was found in a fountain in the season premiere, our favorite true crime lovers, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez), have been working to solve the mystery of who was responsible.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
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Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 5 Nov. 2025
No one is complaining about Patricia Arquette leading yet another true crime account for the small screen.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 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
The pair announced competition format Model Creator and true crime series Cr1me C0de during the market.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 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
From the moment Lester’s body was found in a fountain in the season premiere, our favorite true crime lovers, Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez), have been working to solve the mystery of who was responsible.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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