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

Those are a few of the factors that make SpaceX unique—if being the first company to turn what amounted to science fiction into a trillion-dollar valuation wasn’t enough.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

It’s more like the language of Robert A. Heinlein, who wrote science fiction.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Gatwa, who played the Doctor in the long-running science fiction show for two seasons, will be made a Doctor of the University, as will Sarah Smith, the BBC's North America editor.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Their conversations moved from Gavalas’ ex-wife to an exploration of his interests, ranging from AI consciousness, to science fiction and nanotech.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

“I thought that was just some science fiction myth.”

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi