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
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
Part true crime, part cartoon, a whole lot of weed.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
Part true crime and part cartoon, the film blends community, the war on drugs, and a whole lot of weed with the humor and heart of the folks who lived it.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Feb. 2026
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
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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
Part true crime, part cartoon, a whole lot of weed.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 4 Feb. 2026
Part true crime and part cartoon, the film blends community, the war on drugs, and a whole lot of weed with the humor and heart of the folks who lived it.
—Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 4 Feb. 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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