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
Macaulay Culkin is calling out a true crime cable network.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2025
On March 17, Investigation Discovery released A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read — a true crime docuseries available to stream on Max.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Pop Culture Happy Hour For once — a true crime story that isn't focused on the killer
The Massachusetts State Police confirmed during pretrial legal proceedings last March that Proctor was the subject of an internal investigation over a potential violation of department policy.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
The true crime drama, adapted from the 2018 podcast Happy Face by Melissa Moore, stars Annaleigh Ashford as the daughter of a serial killer, played by Dennis Quaid.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Late in Hulu’s new series Good American Family comes a moment of irony that’s become all too familiar in true crime docudramas.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 21 Mar. 2025
Her husband’s case has made national news for over a decade, was featured on Dateline, 20/20 and People Magazine Investigates on Investigation Discovery and was the subject of season 1 of Wondery’s true crime podcast, Over My Dead Body.
—Emily Krauser, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Originally, the channel broadcasted true crime documentary series, legal dramas, and criminal case coverage.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2025
Smith-Cameron will appear in the untitled true crime drama alongside previously announced leads Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
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Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 1 Apr. 2025
On March 17, Investigation Discovery released A Body in the Snow: The Trial of Karen Read — a true crime docuseries available to stream on Max.
—Kc Baker, People.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Pop Culture Happy Hour For once — a true crime story that isn't focused on the killer
The Massachusetts State Police confirmed during pretrial legal proceedings last March that Proctor was the subject of an internal investigation over a potential violation of department policy.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 28 Mar. 2025
The true crime drama, adapted from the 2018 podcast Happy Face by Melissa Moore, stars Annaleigh Ashford as the daughter of a serial killer, played by Dennis Quaid.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
Late in Hulu’s new series Good American Family comes a moment of irony that’s become all too familiar in true crime docudramas.
—Aja Romano, Vox, 21 Mar. 2025
Her husband’s case has made national news for over a decade, was featured on Dateline, 20/20 and People Magazine Investigates on Investigation Discovery and was the subject of season 1 of Wondery’s true crime podcast, Over My Dead Body.
—Emily Krauser, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Originally, the channel broadcasted true crime documentary series, legal dramas, and criminal case coverage.
—Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2025
Smith-Cameron will appear in the untitled true crime drama alongside previously announced leads Patricia Arquette and Jason Clarke.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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