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
Nancy Grace, the prosecutor turned true crime host and producer, addressed the case Kouri Richins, the Utah woman who was found guilty on March 16 of murdering her husband and the father of her two young sons.
—Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Video podcasts in particular have filled some of the gap, picking up more celebrity interviews, investigating true crimes and tackling many of the same subjects as their TV predecessors at a fraction of the price.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
For fans of true crime, Raftery has written a fascinating biography and origin story about one of pop culture’s most emblematic serial killers, and his lasting bite on society.
—Costa Beavin Pappas, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
In recent years, traditional journalists, as well as authorities, have had to compete with, and manage another type of journalist – the true crime scene streamer.
—Louis Casiano , Olivia Palombo, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Producers of true crime podcasts started walking the streets.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 18 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
Peacock Cast: Joe Manganiello 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
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Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
Video podcasts in particular have filled some of the gap, picking up more celebrity interviews, investigating true crimes and tackling many of the same subjects as their TV predecessors at a fraction of the price.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Mar. 2026
For fans of true crime, Raftery has written a fascinating biography and origin story about one of pop culture’s most emblematic serial killers, and his lasting bite on society.
—Costa Beavin Pappas, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026
In recent years, traditional journalists, as well as authorities, have had to compete with, and manage another type of journalist – the true crime scene streamer.
—Louis Casiano , Olivia Palombo, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Producers of true crime podcasts started walking the streets.
—Richard Ruelas, AZCentral.com, 18 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
Peacock Cast: Joe Manganiello 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
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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