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 takeaway is clear: sub-second finality is no longer science fiction for blockchains. —Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Real stakes, not science fiction While media coverage focuses on the science fiction aspects, actual risks are still there. —ArsTechnica, 13 Aug. 2025

The album introduced listeners to what would be a long-standing fascination with dystopian science fiction and synthesisers for Numan and would prove revolutionary in the music industry in shaping the shifting zeitgeist of the time. —Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025

James Cameron created one of the best science fiction stories with the Terminator franchise about the dangers of mixing artificial intelligence with weapons. —EW.com, 8 Aug. 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