cyberpunk

American  

[sahy-ber-puhngk] / ˈsaɪ bərˌpʌŋk /

noun

1. science fiction featuring extensive human interaction with supercomputers and a punk ambiance.

2. Slang. a computer hacker.

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cyberpunk British  

/ ˈsaɪbəˌpʌŋk /

noun

1. a genre of science fiction that features rebellious computer hackers and is set in a dystopian society integrated by computer networks

2. a writer of cyberpunk

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Etymology

Origin of cyberpunk

First recorded in 1980–85; cyber- ( def. ) + punk ¹

Explanation

Cyberpunk is a science fiction genre. Most cyberpunk is set in the not-too-distant future and focuses on information technology and computers. Cyberpunk often features a dystopian near future, with oppressive governments and protagonists who rebel against these societies. The main characters are often computer hackers, and the mood of cyberpunk feels very similar to film noir or classic detective stories. The term cyberpunk was first used in the 1980s — the original cyberpunk novel was "Web of Angels" by John M. Ford, though William Gibson and Bruce Sterling are the authors most well known for writing cyberpunk.

Example Sentences

If that accounts for the “cyber” aspect of our cyberpunk dystopia, where’s the punk?

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026

Dizzying architecture, bright lights and a cyberpunk vibe have made Chongqing a must-see destination for Chinese and international tourists alike.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 6, 2025

In discussing the car’s aesthetic early on, Musk referenced cyberpunk and Blade Runner, a film that features sleek metallic vehicles, though with rounded silhouettes designed for aerodynamic speed.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2025

The highly-anticipated sequel to the 1982 cyberpunk classic Blade Runner, starred Ryan Gosling, Harrison Ford, Ana de Armas and Jared Leto, and won two Academy Awards.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2024

Overall, she seemed to be going for a sort of mid-’80s postapocalyptic cyberpunk girl-next-door look.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline