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 Cape Fear series adaptation—from writer and executive producer Nick Antosca— is billed as a tense, Hitchcockian psychological thriller and an examination of America’s obsession with true crime in the 21st century.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Its library of vertical content focuses especially on the true crime genre.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
Another victim has come forward with a tell-all memoir about his abuse, and the true crime-hungry are enthralled.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Journalists, podcasters and digital creators who cover the true crime space traveled to Arizona and staked out many of the key properties, driving their own theories of the case.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
Crime Unfiltered, a live tour featuring the subjects of popular true crime documentaries, is headed to Old National Centre June 18.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 20 Mar. 2026
Based on Keene’s book In With the Devil, Black Bird is a thoughtful dissection of the true crime phenomenon seen through the eyes of two men on the frontlines.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Mar. 2026
The same uncertainties that plague Murphy’s works of true crime apply just as readily to this story of true love: At what point do viewers become voyeurs?
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 9 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
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Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 31 Mar. 2026
Its library of vertical content focuses especially on the true crime genre.
—Selome Hailu, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
Another victim has come forward with a tell-all memoir about his abuse, and the true crime-hungry are enthralled.
—Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026
Journalists, podcasters and digital creators who cover the true crime space traveled to Arizona and staked out many of the key properties, driving their own theories of the case.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026
Crime Unfiltered, a live tour featuring the subjects of popular true crime documentaries, is headed to Old National Centre June 18.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 20 Mar. 2026
Based on Keene’s book In With the Devil, Black Bird is a thoughtful dissection of the true crime phenomenon seen through the eyes of two men on the frontlines.
—Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Mar. 2026
The same uncertainties that plague Murphy’s works of true crime apply just as readily to this story of true love: At what point do viewers become voyeurs?
—Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 9 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
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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