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.
Fans will converge in downtown Atlanta to experience the convention’s 40th year of celebrating science fiction, fantasy, gaming, comics, literature, art, music and film. — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Berg also pointed to another structural issue where action cinema has historically occupied a lower position than horror or science fiction within repertory programming. — José Salazar, IndieWire, 24 Aug. 2026 George Orwell’s dystopian classic blends political and science fiction into a chilling panorama of high-level surveillance and manipulation. — Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026 The twist comes when the action suddenly veers into science fiction, and Isabella begins quite literally to disappear. — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 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 30 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about science fiction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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