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 massive growth of the true crime industry means more people than ever are engaging in the space — and not always ethically. Aja Romano, Vox, 11 Nov. 2024 Watch on Hulu Under the Bridge Welcome to your new true crime obsession. Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 5 Nov. 2024 Michael will face off on the marquee on its new date against Miramax/Paramount’s Channing Tatum true crime movie, Roofman. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024 Ethan Harris is a showrunner on the successful true crime drama The Murder Show, but his ideas for the show’s fourth season are rejected by the program’s higher ups. Carly Tagen-Dye, People.com, 1 Nov. 2024 Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter While the brothers have been the subject of various other documentaries and true crime deep dives, Chavez previously told EW that landing the part of Lyle was his introduction to the Menéndez Brothers story. Shania Russell, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024 On her podcast, Bunnie has interviewed celebrities, including Shanna Moakler, and has tackled topics such as relationship trauma, dating and true crime. Melissa Ruggieri, The Enquirer, 1 Nov. 2024 Worthy of your time: A roundup of horrors, thrillers and true crime titles to stream. Maxwell Millington, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024 Things are further complicated when a podcaster shows up trying to do a true crime story and be the sleuth who uncovers it all. Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 26 Oct. 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 23 Nov. 2024.

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