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

See Examples For:

science fiction

Combining detective work and science fiction is nothing new — see “Sugar,” currently; “The X-Files,” classically.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 14, 2026

Ladish said he often argues with people online who say he just believes in science fiction.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 1, 2026

The importance of the site to science and the community has seen it immortalised in popular science fiction works from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy to Doctor Who.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

And though the film was far from Spielberg’s first foray into science fiction, it detailed a future that seemed both too distant and too preposterous for some viewers to connect to.

From Salon ● Jun. 28, 2026

American television viewers tuned in religiously to science fiction television programs like Space Patrol and Tales of Tomorrow.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi