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 adjective

Examples of science fiction in a Sentence

Time travel exists only in the realm of science fiction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The movie follows the cast of an old science fiction show as they are abducted by a group of aliens on a mission to save their planet. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 Some species heal like science fiction cyborgs, some strike faster than bullets, and others perceive worlds invisible to human eyes. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 With its blend of high camp, pre-punk attitude, and equal parts parody and tribute to science fiction, horror films, and the music of the 1950s, the film more than earned its place in the Library of Congress. Katherine Turman, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2025 The Babel Fish is invisible and instantaneous, not science fiction so much as fantasy. Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for science fiction

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of science fiction was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Science fiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/science%20fiction. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on science fiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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