real-life
adjective
existing or happening in reality.
real-life
American
[ree-uhl-lahyf, reel-]
/ ˈri əlˌlaɪf, ˈril- /
adjective
real life
British
noun
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.
See Examples For:
The real-life story of two British athletes, from disparate backgrounds, competing for gold in the sprint events at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026
"This is an easily defanged myth that has generated dread, panic, and real-life consequences," said William Hayes, professor of biology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and the study's lead researcher.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 10, 2026
That’s why he chose an illustration for the cover of his 2024 debut album “Incómodo,” rather than a real-life image of himself; the LP title directly translates to “discomfort.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
But it has now also surpassed director Christopher Nolan's 2023 film about the American theoretical physicist J Robert Oppenheimer, which previously held the box office record for any film based on a real-life figure.
From BBC ● Jun. 29, 2026
People were climbing Cerro Baul, building their maquettes, and praying that the heavens would give them the real-life equivalents.
From "1491" by Charles C. Mann
To better reflect real life, the researchers examined the effects of chronic, mild sleep loss, a pattern experienced by roughly 30% of adults.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026
The film’s version of LA is as ridiculous as the city is in real life, which makes it all the more enjoyable to see gullible Gail navigate her way through every situation.
From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2026
In real life, Laija García considers himself a timid, camera-shy guy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 7, 2026
In real life, most jobs are very messy.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
No one woke up, not even Jay, which made me wonder if I’d cried out in real life.
From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce
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.
