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

Welcome to a different kind of science fiction experience! —Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026

Allen is a science fiction and fantasy author whose stories have appeared in Lightspeed Magazine, Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy, A People’s Future of the United States, and elsewhere. —Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

Part science fiction, part Willy Wonka, all ice and curves and colours. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 May 2026

Feature stories like this, along with news briefs about robots winning races against humans help normalize a future coming into focus that seems more like science fiction than present-day reality. —Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 20 May 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