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
This true crime story is about a high-speed crash in a small town and the shocking swerve, when the 17-year-old driver, Mackenzie Shirilla, was convicted of intentionally murdering her boyfriend and another boy in the car.
—Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
For this analysis, Dateline and 48 Hours are considered true crime.
—Ted Linhart, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
The decision marks the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and best-selling books.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
The Hidden Third shares the same name as the podcast about true crime and underground money, launched by van Zeller in October 2025.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026
On the May 13, 2026, episode of her Khloé in Wonderland podcast, the reality star sat down with true crime podcaster Ashley Flowers and dove dive into true crime topics, including Guthrie’s case.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
Kietel's performance in the true crime film garnered him his first and only Oscar nomination.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Murdaugh, the subject of numerous documentaries and true crime podcasts, will remain imprisoned on federal convictions for stealing millions from clients.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
Three months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared, a true crime streamer found unrelated human remains 7 miles from her house.
—Sarah Lapidus, USA Today, 8 May 2026
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.
Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
For this analysis, Dateline and 48 Hours are considered true crime.
—Ted Linhart, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
The decision marks the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and best-selling books.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
The Hidden Third shares the same name as the podcast about true crime and underground money, launched by van Zeller in October 2025.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026
On the May 13, 2026, episode of her Khloé in Wonderland podcast, the reality star sat down with true crime podcaster Ashley Flowers and dove dive into true crime topics, including Guthrie’s case.
—Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 14 May 2026
Kietel's performance in the true crime film garnered him his first and only Oscar nomination.
—Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Murdaugh, the subject of numerous documentaries and true crime podcasts, will remain imprisoned on federal convictions for stealing millions from clients.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
Three months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared, a true crime streamer found unrelated human remains 7 miles from her house.
—Sarah Lapidus, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“True crime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/true%20crime. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
