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

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

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

From BBC • May 21, 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

Cryopreservation, the process of preserving biological tissue by cooling it to extremely low temperatures, often sounds like something out of science fiction.

From Science Daily • Apr. 27, 2026

He had written a science fiction novel called The Lazarus Door, which was wildly popular.

From "100 Sideways Miles" by Andrew Smith

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi