real-life

American

[ree-uhl-lahyf, reel-] / ˈri əlˌlaɪf, ˈril- /

adjective

existing or happening in reality.

real-life drama.

real life British

noun

1. actual human life, as lived by real people, esp contrasted with the lives of fictional or fantasy characters
  
  miracles don't happen in real life
2. ( as modifier )
  
  a real-life mystery

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of real-life

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“You won’t be in the shadows forever,” Blake tells his intrepid team members—who, like the real-life Mr. Stanton, still maintain the cloak, if not the dagger.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

The scenario we presented her with was based on our undercover reporter's real-life experiences with her own daughter two years ago.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

This study suggests that these methods may overlook the risks posed by combined exposures and real-life environmental conditions.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

By simply telling us that compassion is possible without depicting the subtleties of human growth, “I Swear” functions more like an educational drama than a portrait of how to make real-life change.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2026

What are the chances a real-life Dorothy Dingle went to jail the same day my mom disappeared?

From "The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman" by Gennifer Choldenko

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023