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

The idea of a robot assistant helping out with chores and technology development aboard an orbiting space laboratory sounds positively science fiction. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 3 Nov. 2026

The simplified version has been to point to futuristic flying cars seen in science fiction. — Jim Turner, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Atkins had been besotted by science fiction and science fact, notably the futurist writer Alvin Toffler’s bestsellers Future Shock (1970) and The Third Wave (1980). — Michaelangelo Matos, Rolling Stone, 2 Nov. 2026

Millet and Twain share a distaste for authority figures and social niceties, a suspicion of organized religion and a wild sense of adventure that can border on science fiction. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 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