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
Her exit is the second senior departure from the team this year, following true crime supremo Dan Korn, who has commissioned thousands of hours of factual shows for Sky History and Crime+Investigation over the past decade.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
For years, the southwest suburban mother of four has poured herself into true crime investigative podcasting, working directly with families to shed new light on their stories in the hopes that renewed attention would yield closure.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
This true crime entry is an excellent example of the genre working to understand circumstances underpinning a crime rather than performing a grim recitation.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
In other words, our culture’s true crime obsession may feel inescapable, even in your hometown, but that same obsession can be wielded to inspire healthier media habits while working toward a better, more compassionate worldview.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026
If true crime and serial killer stuff is your thing, this looks pretty interesting and stomach-churning.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Pavlich’s show will fill the time slot previously occupied by NewsNation host Ashleigh Banfield, who is remaining with the network to lead its true crime digital vertical.
—Sophie Brams, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2026
The series chronicles three New Yorkers who come together over their love of true crime podcasts and end up finding themselves at the center of more than a few true crimes.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Bob Dylan biographer, true crime writer, and novelist Dennis McDougal died on March 22 at the age of 77.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
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Max Goldbart, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
For years, the southwest suburban mother of four has poured herself into true crime investigative podcasting, working directly with families to shed new light on their stories in the hopes that renewed attention would yield closure.
—Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
This true crime entry is an excellent example of the genre working to understand circumstances underpinning a crime rather than performing a grim recitation.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Jan. 2026
In other words, our culture’s true crime obsession may feel inescapable, even in your hometown, but that same obsession can be wielded to inspire healthier media habits while working toward a better, more compassionate worldview.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026
If true crime and serial killer stuff is your thing, this looks pretty interesting and stomach-churning.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Pavlich’s show will fill the time slot previously occupied by NewsNation host Ashleigh Banfield, who is remaining with the network to lead its true crime digital vertical.
—Sophie Brams, The Hill, 16 Jan. 2026
The series chronicles three New Yorkers who come together over their love of true crime podcasts and end up finding themselves at the center of more than a few true crimes.
—Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Bob Dylan biographer, true crime writer, and novelist Dennis McDougal died on March 22 at the age of 77.
—Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.
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