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

This novel, also the basis for the 2010 film of the same name, seamlessly blends literary and science fiction. —Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 27 Sep. 2025

This list quickly came to include science fiction authors. —Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 26 Sep. 2025

Lamm’s track record with Colossal—pursuing bold projects once considered science fiction—has already shown his ability to execute at the edge of possibility. —Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 26 Sep. 2025

The potential consequences here can’t be overstated—the idea that robots can be taken over and used for nefarious purposes is already a science fiction trope, but the impact of a high-profile robot hack on the reputation of the commercial robotics industry is unclear. —IEEE Spectrum, 25 Sep. 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