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
More: The lure of true crime: Why Kentucky can’t let go of the Crystal Rogers case
This is a breaking story and will update.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025
The trial has drawn podcasters, film crews and true crime fans to the rural town of Morwell, a sedate hamlet in the state of Victoria better known for prize-winning roses.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Inside Edition is distributed by CBS Media Ventures and based in New York City, and is known for its mix of entertainment, true crime, lifestyle and tabloid news segments, delivered at a quick pace.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
Trying to differentiate the bad from the good, guessing who’s lying or telling the truth, and attempting to solve a true crime thriller are all mental puzzles that are endlessly frustrating yet completely entertaining.
—Paulina Jayne Isaac, Glamour, 5 July 2025
These stories can be seen as more than just violent thrillers crafted for entertainment, or as marketing ploys put together by producers who noticed rising public interest in true crime.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
The stories are compelling, often blending sure-fire elements of true crime, psychology (primarily the surrender and loss of self, replaced with a groupthink mentality), deception, betrayal and all manner of drama.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The story has been the focus of a number of other true crime pods.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 June 2025
Though largely forgotten today, the Hall-Mills murder became one of the first true crime spectacles of the mass media age.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 27 June 2025
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Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 8 July 2025
The trial has drawn podcasters, film crews and true crime fans to the rural town of Morwell, a sedate hamlet in the state of Victoria better known for prize-winning roses.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Inside Edition is distributed by CBS Media Ventures and based in New York City, and is known for its mix of entertainment, true crime, lifestyle and tabloid news segments, delivered at a quick pace.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 7 July 2025
Trying to differentiate the bad from the good, guessing who’s lying or telling the truth, and attempting to solve a true crime thriller are all mental puzzles that are endlessly frustrating yet completely entertaining.
—Paulina Jayne Isaac, Glamour, 5 July 2025
These stories can be seen as more than just violent thrillers crafted for entertainment, or as marketing ploys put together by producers who noticed rising public interest in true crime.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 July 2025
The stories are compelling, often blending sure-fire elements of true crime, psychology (primarily the surrender and loss of self, replaced with a groupthink mentality), deception, betrayal and all manner of drama.
—R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The story has been the focus of a number of other true crime pods.
—Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 June 2025
Though largely forgotten today, the Hall-Mills murder became one of the first true crime spectacles of the mass media age.
—Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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