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

His movies hold up, and that’s hard to do with science fiction.

From Los Angeles Times

It sounds like science fiction...it is rapidly becoming economic fact.

From BBC

All of Meow Wolf’s exhibitions have a sci-fi bent, and Los Angeles will be no different, with many a nod to films of science fiction and fantasy.

From Los Angeles Times

Like much science fiction in the arts, the film paints a dystopian view of our future years.

From BBC

This isn’t a scene from a science fiction film—it’s a reality in a growing number of communities across the U.S., where law enforcement is expanding the use of drones.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi