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 powers held by the bad version of Ursula seem to grow the more that Bela feels neglected by real-life Ursula, who works constantly and often gets home late.
From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2026
She criticised the benefits assessment process and said it was too reliant on a checklist, and did not reflect people's real-life struggles.
From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026
When playing real-life figures, she said: "You have to behave like a sort of detective."
From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026
She has made one real-life friend so far.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 21, 2026
Also, he reveled in the role of Cold War spy, a real-life James Bond.
From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin
Even real life has given us a scary mommy for the ages: Donna Arthur.
From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2026
Now, for the first time, we have proof that those stories don't stay on screen – they shape how people with visible difference are treated in real life.
From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026
Bell and Hardison have been close pals since they first met on the set of Spike Lee’s film “School Daze,” and such real life connections between cast members is a draw for podcast fans.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
Perhaps because she understands that the internet is not real life, and that her message is resonating with a silent majority.
From Slate ● Oct. 15, 2026
It’s like a movie instead of real life.
From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
