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
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
The premier episode is set to air on Monday at 9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery and streaming on MAX and follows similar documentaries of the case which has fascinated true crime fans and anti-police-corruption activists across Greater Boston and the country.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
The Future of the True Crime Genre The true crime genre continues to grapple with legal and ethical concerns regarding the right to speculate about or analyze the merits of cases that are still unfolding.
—Legal Entertainment, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
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
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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
The premier episode is set to air on Monday at 9 p.m. on Investigation Discovery and streaming on MAX and follows similar documentaries of the case which has fascinated true crime fans and anti-police-corruption activists across Greater Boston and the country.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 16 Mar. 2025
The Future of the True Crime Genre The true crime genre continues to grapple with legal and ethical concerns regarding the right to speculate about or analyze the merits of cases that are still unfolding.
—Legal Entertainment, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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