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 axolotl’s cellular repertoire borders on science fiction. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025

Now, new observations of the aftermath of same event from the James Webb Space Telescope have suggested a scenario previously only considered in the realms of science fiction: that a planet about the size of Jupiter self-destructed by heading straight into its parent star. —Jorge Garay, Wired News, 28 Apr. 2025

And just as often, animators will stage the best action in other popular anime genres, like science fiction, fantasy, mecha, romance, magical girls, and even sports. —Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 25 Apr. 2025

The Project Pitches section, a cornerstone of the market, received 507 submissions this year across genres ranging from comedy and drama to fantasy and science fiction. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025

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