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 project previously participated in the Biennale College Cinema at the Venice Film Festival and is moving into production later this year, signaling Filmbarr’s expansion into prestige-leaning true crime with strong international festival potential.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Feb. 2026
Online, true crime fanatics have parsed through information about the case — filling in the limited details with rumor, innuendo and sometimes downright conspiracy.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Blame should be on the offender and more attention, and print, should be brought on the true crimes that got them to this ultimate result.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026
As any true crime aficionado knows, the first 48 hours after a crime occurs are the most crucial for detectives to solve the case.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
The oral arguments Wednesday were the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and books.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
The descriptions of dead bodies on the true crime podcasts gross me out, but to see it in person is something else entirely.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Set in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1978, this work of fiction explores the true crimes of Ted Bundy through the lens of the survivors, rather than his victims.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
This is a mystery that isn’t meant to be solved in the way of true crime.
—Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 24 Feb. 2026
Online, true crime fanatics have parsed through information about the case — filling in the limited details with rumor, innuendo and sometimes downright conspiracy.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Blame should be on the offender and more attention, and print, should be brought on the true crimes that got them to this ultimate result.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Feb. 2026
As any true crime aficionado knows, the first 48 hours after a crime occurs are the most crucial for detectives to solve the case.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Feb. 2026
The oral arguments Wednesday were the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and books.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
The descriptions of dead bodies on the true crime podcasts gross me out, but to see it in person is something else entirely.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Set in Tallahassee, Florida, in 1978, this work of fiction explores the true crimes of Ted Bundy through the lens of the survivors, rather than his victims.
—Amanda Favazza, Southern Living, 6 Feb. 2026
This is a mystery that isn’t meant to be solved in the way of true crime.
—Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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