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
The pair announced competition format Model Creator and true crime series Cr1me C0de during the market.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
Is this an area that should be left for fiction as opposed to the more delicate balance of dealing with real people’s lives [in true crime podcasting]?
—Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Now, half a century after Moxley’s death, an explosive new podcast from NBC News Studios and Highly Replaceable Productions is questioning every conclusion that law enforcement, Greenwich residents, reporters, and true crime buffs have drawn about what transpired that cold October night in 1975.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Three months later, Mabel, Oliver, and Charles tune in to Cinda Canning's (Tina Fey) true crime podcast.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
What’s fueling conspiracy theories A growing obsession with true crime in the media, a mistrust of authorities in the US and a history of conspiracy theories in American culture likely contributed to rumors and misinformation about the bayou deaths, Spicer said.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Of course, there are plenty of true crime series and freaky horror stories for adults, but there are also several kid-friendly films to enjoy with the whole family.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
For those who love true crime mysteries, the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library offers up a thrilling tale of what may be one of Cincinnati’s earliest serial killers.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
If genre-faithful true crime seeks sense in motive, Kraus is seeking those senseless systems that both produce violence and strip it of meaning.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
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Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2025
Is this an area that should be left for fiction as opposed to the more delicate balance of dealing with real people’s lives [in true crime podcasting]?
—Josh Wigler, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
Now, half a century after Moxley’s death, an explosive new podcast from NBC News Studios and Highly Replaceable Productions is questioning every conclusion that law enforcement, Greenwich residents, reporters, and true crime buffs have drawn about what transpired that cold October night in 1975.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 28 Oct. 2025
Three months later, Mabel, Oliver, and Charles tune in to Cinda Canning's (Tina Fey) true crime podcast.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Oct. 2025
What’s fueling conspiracy theories A growing obsession with true crime in the media, a mistrust of authorities in the US and a history of conspiracy theories in American culture likely contributed to rumors and misinformation about the bayou deaths, Spicer said.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2025
Of course, there are plenty of true crime series and freaky horror stories for adults, but there are also several kid-friendly films to enjoy with the whole family.
—Keith Langston, PEOPLE, 27 Oct. 2025
For those who love true crime mysteries, the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library offers up a thrilling tale of what may be one of Cincinnati’s earliest serial killers.
—Jeff Suess, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
If genre-faithful true crime seeks sense in motive, Kraus is seeking those senseless systems that both produce violence and strip it of meaning.
—Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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