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 1970s were truly when science fiction cinema made astronomical leaps into the public's consciousness and catapulted out of the B-movie bin to become a respected entertainment genre. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 27 June 2026

His work has been translated into 23 languages and includes literary fiction, science fiction, political monographs, and a young adult novel. — Literary Hub, 26 June 2026

Using antimatter propulsion to travel to far-away solar systems might sound straight out of science fiction, but that’s exactly how big ideas come to life. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 23 June 2026

Nothing about it was science fiction; AI has been seeping into wealth management for years. — Carrie McCabe, Forbes.com, 23 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