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.
This pipeline of measure, compile, and compare is exactly what separates science fiction from science. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 This may have seemed shocking to those who associated alien life primarily with science fiction invasion scenarios like The War of the Worlds. — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 30 July 2026 Spaceballs is primarily a parody of the original Star Wars trilogy, as well as other popular science fiction movies from the late 20th century. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 Much of it sounds like science fiction and includes breakthroughs in 3D weaving, 3D knitting and non-woven electrospinning that enable complex structural geometries without seams. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 27 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 5 Aug. 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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