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

In a June 2026 paper titled When AI Builds Itself, Anthropic warned that the recursive loop has moved from science fiction to operational reality faster than the company itself expected. — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

Chrissy’s discovery sets the stage for a twist that merely draws unfavorable comparisons to far better speculative science fiction about our growing dependence on AI companionship. — Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Few names in the science fiction literary world carry as much weight and respect as author Alan Dean Foster. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Listening to Elon Musk on SpaceX's earnings call sounded like the basis of a best-selling science fiction novel. — Zev Fima, CNBC, 21 Oct. 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