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

Is he her son is a tricky question because of where we’re going on a science fiction level.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

This includes teams working with China's Einstein Probe and the National Science Foundation's Very Large Array, which is widely recognized from its appearance in the science fiction film Contact.

From Science Daily • Mar. 30, 2026

Spielberg’s film, released the year before “Testament,” is a sci-fi fantasy of suburban youth in a universe of expanding possibility—an inverse image of the considerably darker, not-so-improbable science fiction in which Scottie finds himself.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

On the silver screen, it dazzles like few contemporary science fiction films do, opting for color over the pallid gray verisimilitude that often bogs down its peers.

From Salon • Mar. 21, 2026

Dad likes to give me old-time science fiction.

From "Black Brother, Black Brother" by Jewell Parker Rhodes

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi