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 mystery of her disappearance has drawn attention from true crime enthusiasts for years. — Michael Loria, USA Today, 30 June 2026 And a YouGov poll shows that 61% of women watch true crime compared to their male counterparts at 52%. — Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 18 June 2026 One of the world’s most notorious art heists is getting a true crime documentary from Studiocanal. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 17 June 2026 The ubiquitous British YouTuber runs a creator version of a cable conglomerate, helming channels about true crime, space, war and human achievements, among others. — Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 13 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for true crime

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for true crime

See All Rhymes for true crime

Browse Nearby Words

true course
true crime
true discount
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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