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
That's really nice to see that people aren't just looking at it as a true crime documentary.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 May 2025
Wilson, a former Chicago police officer and U.S. Marine, tackles topics including relationship issues, family dynamics, social topics and true crime.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 May 2025
In the absence of an official explanation, theories have filled the void in a case that has spurred true crime podcasts and plenty of speculation, including the suggestion Kohberger was trying to impress an old professor by getting away with murder.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 17 May 2025
The lurid case has riveted the public and has already been featured in multiple true crime documentaries.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
The shooting, which was caught on surveillance footage, rocked the small eastern Kentucky town of Whitesburg and has subsequently captivated the true crime world.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
Additionally, Harlan Coben will host a new true crime series on Wednesdays in January.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 7 May 2025
And where there are true crime nerds, there might just be money.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 May 2025
The documentary, now streaming on Netflix, offers a first-hand look at both sides of the complex case that has sparked debate across true crime podcasts, books, and 20/20 and 48 hour episodes.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
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Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 May 2025
Wilson, a former Chicago police officer and U.S. Marine, tackles topics including relationship issues, family dynamics, social topics and true crime.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 19 May 2025
In the absence of an official explanation, theories have filled the void in a case that has spurred true crime podcasts and plenty of speculation, including the suggestion Kohberger was trying to impress an old professor by getting away with murder.
—Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 17 May 2025
The lurid case has riveted the public and has already been featured in multiple true crime documentaries.
—Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
The shooting, which was caught on surveillance footage, rocked the small eastern Kentucky town of Whitesburg and has subsequently captivated the true crime world.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025
Additionally, Harlan Coben will host a new true crime series on Wednesdays in January.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 7 May 2025
And where there are true crime nerds, there might just be money.
—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 May 2025
The documentary, now streaming on Netflix, offers a first-hand look at both sides of the complex case that has sparked debate across true crime podcasts, books, and 20/20 and 48 hour episodes.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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