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 noun

a 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

As true crime podcasts, TV shows, books and online content continue to prove popular, cases never truly fade from the spotlight.

—Bethany Bruner

Examples of true crime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But there are many theories about why people are attracted to true crime, with serial killers being the stars of that world. — Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

The One About Matthew Perry, a three-part docuseries, out October 27 on Netflix, is more of a celebration of celebrate Perry’s life instead of a mournful tribute or true crime drama about his death and the headline-making trial that followed. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026

While the true crime industry has reexamined and sometimes helped solve cold cases, critics say that a healthy fear of danger has curdled into a morbid fascination with serial killers – the business of which has proven to be quite lucrative. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

Its streaming app hosts short-form true crime audio and video shows that are fully AI-generated. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for true crime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime