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
The questions surrounding Holloway’s final moments captured the attention of the entire country for days, weeks and years after her death – dominating the 24/7 news cycle, inspiring dozens of books and documentaries, and helping to germinate America’s obsession with true crime.
—Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Anthony, who was charged with first-degree murder after her 3-year-old daughter, Caylee, was found dead near their home in 2008, has been the subject of countless true crime documentaries, amateur theories and internet vitriol since being found not guilty in 2011.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Many of those fans are often criticized for treating true crime as an entertainment playground, much to the alarm of other true crime fans.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Mar. 2025
Adapting true crime stories into compelling limited series can capture massive audiences, particularly when the fiction stays rooted in reality.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025
The 10-episode series is described as a tense, Hitchcockian thriller and an examination of America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
The 30 best true crime podcasts of all time, ranked
Scamanda unravels the deception via interviews with investigative journalists, law enforcement officials, IRS investigators, and Riley's former friends (and targets).
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 Feb. 2025
But in recent years, it’s been the podcast industry where true crime has found a growing audience.
—Sydney Cella, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
The show has been hailed for its infectiously fizzy twist on the usually grim true crime genre — and much of that pop appeal, naturally, is carried by the show’s music.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
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Karissa Waddick, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2025
Anthony, who was charged with first-degree murder after her 3-year-old daughter, Caylee, was found dead near their home in 2008, has been the subject of countless true crime documentaries, amateur theories and internet vitriol since being found not guilty in 2011.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Many of those fans are often criticized for treating true crime as an entertainment playground, much to the alarm of other true crime fans.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 4 Mar. 2025
Adapting true crime stories into compelling limited series can capture massive audiences, particularly when the fiction stays rooted in reality.
—Katcy Stephan, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025
The 10-episode series is described as a tense, Hitchcockian thriller and an examination of America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Feb. 2025
The 30 best true crime podcasts of all time, ranked
Scamanda unravels the deception via interviews with investigative journalists, law enforcement officials, IRS investigators, and Riley's former friends (and targets).
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 25 Feb. 2025
But in recent years, it’s been the podcast industry where true crime has found a growing audience.
—Sydney Cella, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2025
The show has been hailed for its infectiously fizzy twist on the usually grim true crime genre — and much of that pop appeal, naturally, is carried by the show’s music.
—Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Feb. 2025
Articles Related to true crime
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.
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