science fiction

noun

: fiction dealing principally with the impact of actual or imagined science on society or individuals or having a scientific factor as an essential orienting component

science-fictional

ˈsī-ən(t)s-ˈfik-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of science fiction in a Sentence

Time travel exists only in the realm of science fiction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Set Decorators Society of America (SDSA) tonight honored the best in class for contemporary, fantasy, science fiction variety, reality and period series. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2026

Yet space compute is beginning to look less like science fiction and more like a legitimate infrastructure category. — Ben Topor, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

This isn’t science fiction—all the viruses the models created are closely related to an existing virus. — ArsTechnica, 6 Aug. 2026

Lasers have long been the stuff of science fiction battles, but are yet to be used in combat after 50 years of testing — although the British navy is close to deploying a weapon on some ships. — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for science fiction

• antifriction
• benediction
• contradiction
• crucifixion
• dereliction
• interdiction
• jurisdiction
• malediction
• addiction
• affliction
• constriction
• conviction

Kids Definition

science fiction

noun

: fiction that deals with the influence of real or imagined science on society or individuals

science-fictional

ˈsī-ən(t)s-ˈfik-shnəl, 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective