docudrama
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of docudrama
First recorded in 1960–65; docu(mentary) + drama
Explanation
A fictional movie or TV show that's closely based on a true story can be called a docudrama. All The President's Men is a docudrama about the Watergate scandal. The term docudrama was first used in American English during the 1950s, from documentary and drama. It's most often used for television programs that strive for some accuracy in representing historical events, sometimes reenacting situations using real details and dialogue. Docudramas inevitably also fill in unknown details and ramp up the dramatic interest of the story using creative license.
Vocabulary lists containing docudrama
doc
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Dramatic Vision: An Overview, Part 2
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
"Sentimental Value" will compete in the foreign language film category against Brazilian crime thriller "The Secret Agent", Cannes' top Palme d'Or winner "It Was Just An Accident" and Palestinian docudrama "The Voice of Hind Rajab".
From Barron's ● Feb. 22, 2026
Fox News in 2018 launched Fox Nation, which intended to complement the network’s offerings with programming such as “The Saints,” a docudrama narrated by Martin Scorsese.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026
This seven-episode docudrama is based on James L. Swanson’s 2006 book, “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer,” and that should serve as the essential plot outline.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2025
The decision also came amid renewed attention in the case spurred by a new Netflix drama, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story as well as the release of docudrama, The Menendez Brothers.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2024
The moment of reckoning was a long time in the making, but it was turbocharged by a four-part television docudrama that aired earlier this year.
From Seattle Times ● May 22, 2024
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
