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science fiction

/ˌsaɪəns ˌˈfɪkʃən/
/ˈsaɪəns ˈfɪkʃən/
IPA guide

Science fiction — often called sci-fi — is a type of literature focusing on how science might influence society in the future.

If you've ever read a short story or novel about robots, spaceships, or other futuristic material, you were probably reading science fiction. Many movies and TV shows are classified as science fiction, such as Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica. Some science fiction comes true: for example, robots appeared in science fiction before they existed in real life.

Definitions of science fiction
  1. noun
    literary fantasy involving the imagined impact of science on society
    see moresee less
    types:
    cyberpunk
    a genre of fast-paced science fiction involving oppressive futuristic computerized societies
    type of:
    fantasy, phantasy
    fiction with a large amount of imagination in it
Pronunciation
US
/ˌsaɪəns ˌˈfɪkʃən/
UK
/ˈsaɪəns ˈfɪkʃən/
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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘science fiction'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
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