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

At the opposite end, someone who likes science fiction or fantasy novels tends to be more concerned with the state of the world.

From BBC ● Jul. 31, 2026

It’s refreshing for the prize to go to Mr. Kraus, a so-called genre author whose nearly 30 books span horror, science fiction, graphic novels and books for teens.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

You’re a science fiction writer and, as you state in your book we can’t just look at science fiction and be like, “That’s what’s going to happen.”

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

Cosmic strings may sound like pure science fiction but there are reasons to believe they could have formed in the early universe as a result of symmetry-breaking of the kind discussed in Chapter 5.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi