: existing or occurring in reality : drawn from or drawing on actual events or situations
real-life problems
real-life drama

Examples of real-life 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.
Featuring Babe Ruth and several other real-life Yankee legends as themselves, director Sam Wood’s heartfelt story doubles as a document of baseball culture in all of its intricacies, from rookie season hazing rituals to Gehrig’s rousing home-run sensations. Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 25 Apr. 2025 Here’s hoping that her real-life wife, Gabby Windey, makes a cameo later in the season. Emma Specter, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025 Xu cast his real-life father, Xu Chaoying, in the role of Lao Wei — marking the second time that his father has appeared in his films. Sara Merican, Deadline, 25 Apr. 2025 While Gellar won't be returning, original stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Gellar's real-life husband Freddie Prinze Jr. will return for the horror sequel. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for real-life

Word History

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of real-life was in 1838

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Real-life.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/real-life. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

real-life

adjective
: happening in reality : being like real life

More from Merriam-Webster on real-life

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!