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

Even its name, StormWall, sounds like science fiction, but authorities on space weather say it could work, mitigating an event that happens, they estimate, once a century.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

My favorite book is “Frankenstein,” written by a teenage girl who invented science fiction.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 1, 2026

Carl Erik Rinsch was accused of using Netflix funds intended to complete a science fiction series to buy cars, cryptocurrency and other luxuries for himself.

From BBC ● Jun. 29, 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

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