1
: actually existing or happening : not imaginary
The movie is based on real events.
The detective Sherlock Holmes is not a real person.
He has no real power; he is just a figurehead.
The battle scenes in the movie seemed very real to me.
The team has a real chance at winning.
There is a very real possibility that we will be moving to Maine.
In real life, relationships are not perfect.
The actor looks taller on TV than he does in real life.
I finally got to talk to a real live person [=an actual person] instead of a machine.
He's always daydreaming and seems to be out of touch with the real world.
Their son finally went out into the real world [=the world where people have to work, deal with daily problems, etc.] and got a job.
2
: not fake, false, or artificial
real [=genuine] leather
a real diamond
Your real friends [=the people who are truly your friends] would be here to help you.
What is his real name?
Tell me the real reason you need the money.
3
: important and deserving to be regarded or treated in a serious way
This is a very real problem/danger/concern.
They have avoided talking about the real issues.
There is no real reason to worry.
4
always used before a noun
—used for emphasis
There's a real surprise at the end of the movie.
Receiving this award is a real thrill.
He's being a real jerk.
5
: strong and sincere
I have no real interest in sports. [=I'm not very interested in sports]
He made a real effort to improve his grades.
There was a look of real [=genuine] astonishment on her face.
She showed real delight/happiness when I told her the good news.
6
always used before a noun finance
: measured by what money can actually buy at a particular time
a real increase in wages as compared to inflation
Charitable donations declined in real dollars last year.
chiefly US, informal
: very or really
We had a real good time.
The water is real warm.
He is real fast.
We went to bed real late.
a real old car
Cite this Entry
“Real.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/real. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
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