sci-fi

adjective

ˈsī-ˈfī How to pronounce sci-fi (audio)
: of, relating to, or being science fiction
a sci-fi film
sci-fi noun

Examples of sci-fi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Halo 4, 5, and Infinite used sci-fi nonsense to transform him into this larger-than-life figure, rendering the rest of the UNSC largely powerless in the process. — Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 23 Oct. 2026 True, Ishiguro’s 2021 sci-fi novel was prescient in anticipating a loneliness epidemic that would put us under the thrall of machines programmed to approximate human conversation. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 22 Oct. 2026 In the sci-fi/horror film, Skerritt played Captain Dallas, one of the few who aligns with Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley as their intergalactic shipping crew is faced with a horrible menace. — Dan Heching, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026 Birn was among the stars of Apple TV sci-fi series Foundation alongside the likes of Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, Alexander Siddig, Troy Kotsur and Pilou Asbæk among others. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sci-fi

Word History

Etymology

shortened from science fiction

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sci-fi was in 1953

Rhymes for sci-fi

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Browse Nearby Words

SCIF
sci-fi
scilicet
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Cite this Entry

“Sci-fi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sci-fi. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sci-fi

noun
ˈsī-ˈfī
: science fiction
sci-fi adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on sci-fi

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sci-fi

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