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.
Scott ventures into sci-fi once more with ‘The Dog Stars,’ a postapocalyptic thriller that trades zombies for pandemics and asks whether hope can outlast catastrophe. — Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Billie Piper is feeling relaxed about the future of Doctor Who, even if fans are concerned that the sci-fi series is in something of a spin at the BBC. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026 Netflix’s new sci-fi thriller The Last House begins with a simple nightmare. — Solitaire Townsend, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 Washington state native Kyle MacLachlan burst onto the big screen in 1984 in David Lynch’s version of sci-fi epic Dune and then cemented his status as a pop-culture icon in Lynch’s landmark early ’90s series Twin Peaks. — Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sci-fi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sci-fi. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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