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

Complete with a red carpet and a dancing humanoid robot, the event could have been mistaken for a science fiction Hollywood premiere. —Jared Perlo, NBC news, 6 June 2026

Come to Eternia, the mythical home of flying dragon-like creatures, and swords, and sorcery, and spaceships — really, all the stuff a 12-year-old science fiction fanatic loves. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 June 2026

The exhibit of work by Saya Woolfalk will will combine science fiction and storytelling with large plants, acorn spaceships, interactive environments and more. —Abby Hamblin, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026

The age of robotaxis, long the preserve of science fiction, is now a reality, at least in a handful of American cities. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 3 June 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