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

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

It sounds like science fiction, but space is becoming a strategic asset for companies and governments worldwide.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

I say that as an example of talking about time, of talking about multiverses, of all these complicated things that are part of our science fiction lore and part of our show.

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

Both sets of ideas passed into the public imagination through Sunday supplements and science fiction.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• SF
• sci-fi