science fiction

American  

[sahy-uhns fik-shuhn] / ˈsaɪ əns ˈfɪk ʃən /

Also scifi,

noun

1. a form of fiction that draws imaginatively on scientific knowledge and speculation in its plot, setting, theme, etc.

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science fiction British  

noun

1. 1. a literary genre that makes imaginative use of scientific knowledge or conjecture

   2. ( as modifier )

      a science fiction writer

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science fiction Cultural  

1. Works of fiction that use scientific discoveries or advanced technology — either actual or imaginary — as part of their plot. Jules Verne and H. G. Wells were early writers of science fiction. More recent ones are Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury.

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Etymology

Origin of science fiction

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

It’s more like the language of Robert A. Heinlein, who wrote science fiction.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

The company’s S-1 is nearly 300 pages, chock-full of futuristic product ideas and lingo more reminiscent of science fiction than your typical Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026

The bonus structure, laid out in SpaceX's prospectus filed with US regulators Wednesday, reads less like a compensation agreement and more like a science fiction plot.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

This nod to elaborate disguises, favoured by attendees at science fiction conventions, hints at Smith's core audience.

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Kepler, on the other hand, lectured on astronomy in schools, published extensively and often at his own expense, and wrote science fiction, which was certainly not intended primarily for his scientific peers.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi