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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

science fiction

"It's definitely some weird cultural thing where mainstream movies are now mostly fantasy: fantasy, science fiction, horror, comic books, all different kinds of fantasy," Ethan, 69, explained.

From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026

Yet it used the genres of supernatural fantasy and science fiction to examine reality.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 15, 2026

Then he paid high school students to write on the papyrus using passages from "Star Wars," the Bible, and a quote from the 1960s science fiction television show "The Outer Limits."

From Science Daily ● Sep. 26, 2026

Consequently, the strongest science fiction may not choose between hope and warning.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 22, 2026

Dad likes to give me old-time science fiction.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

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Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi

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