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.
Yasujirō Ozu meets Christopher Nolan, and the ancient Chinese Book of Changes, the I Ching, meets retro sci-fi, with Lithuanian flavor added for an unusual mix. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2026 In Wes Craven’s 1986 sci-fi/grindhouse romp Deadly Friend, the killer android at the heart of the action obliterates a curmudgeonly old lady’s skull with a basketball. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 Stewart, the storied actor whose performances spanned comic book films, Shakespearean stage productions and sci-fi TV, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 As Project Heads To AFM For Sales Vikander, who won an Oscar for Supporting Actress for Focus Features’ The Danish Girl, starred recently in the Korean sci-fi hit and Cannes premiere Hope as well as features The Last Day and The Echo Chamber. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 29 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 1 Nov. 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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