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.
Prediction for 2025: Posthumous reappraisal, at least two true crime podcasts. Brendan Hay, SPIN, 30 Dec. 2024 Vergara received her fifth Emmy nomination for the title role in Netflix’s true crime drama Griselda (2024) and has been a judge on America’s Got Talent since 2020. Andrew Walsh, EW.com, 22 Dec. 2024 The true crime drama tackles the topics of love and identity while diving into Curry’s complex life experiences as a gay celebrity stylist in Oakland who secretly financed a lavish lifestyle by fraudulently acquiring millions to build a criminal empire and survive the violent street lifestyle. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 Dec. 2024 As the true crime genre has exploded, Sarlanis also touched on competition in the space with the likes of Netflix and others. Ellise Shafer, Variety, 5 Dec. 2024 The unlikely trio teamed up to launch their own true crime podcast whenever someone died in the building under suspicious circumstances, chronicling their independent investigation to solve the murder. Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024 With the exception of true crime and Alex Cooper, the top spots on the podcasting charts of Spotify and Apple are dominated by comedy, news and talk shows hosted by men. Axios, 20 Dec. 2024 The second season of his true crime anthology, which focused on the Erik and Lyle Menendez case, is nominated for three Golden Globes, including Best Television Limited Series, Anthology Series or Motion Picture Made for Television. Hannah Malach, WWD, 9 Dec. 2024 Top true crime podcast Crime Junkie is kicking off a 2025 U.S. tour at Fishers Event Center. Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near true crime

Cite this Entry

“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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