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

Once the stuff of science fiction, quantum computing established itself in 2025 as a serious, if loss-making, corner of the stock market.

From Barron's

Its upcoming home robot, named after the science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, will cost more because it will be mobile with wheels and have other premium features.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s right, it sounds like science fiction, but AI computers in orbit powered by the sun might be a lower-cost way of getting answers from chatbots or training cars to drive themselves.

From Barron's

The book starts off as science fiction and ends somewhere in the murky realm of cosmic horror and elder gods, but getting there is so enjoyable it will please a wide variety of readers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Produced by Bad Wolf, the five-part science fiction series launched on 7 December, featuring extensive underwater sets, and was filmed largely in Cardiff.

From BBC

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi