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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of true crime was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 19 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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