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 How to pronounce science fiction (audio)
adjective

Examples of science fiction in a Sentence

Time travel exists only in the realm of science fiction.
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.
So much so that having a robot look like a human is no longer strictly science fiction. — Leonard David, Space.com, 3 July 2026 The devices look like something out of an old science fiction movie about the tech-addled dystopian future. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026 This Japanese thriller series is a reboot of a classic science fiction film. — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 We were drawn to the possibility of using the science fiction genre to address current issues. — Roberto Prieto, Variety, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for science fiction

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of science fiction was in 1898

Rhymes for science fiction

See All Rhymes for science fiction

Browse Nearby Words

science fair
science fiction
science of language
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Science fiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/science%20fiction. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on science fiction

Nglish: Translation of science fiction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about science fiction

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