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.
The women are played by Secret Sunshine’s Jeon Do-yeon and Parasite’s Cho Yeo-jeong; the men by Sul Kyung-gu of Memoirs of a Murderer and Zo In-sung of Hope, the sci-fi blockbuster that made headlines at Cannes. — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 2 Sep. 2026 Paul Bettany reprises his role as Vision in Marvel Television’s eight-episode sci-fi thriller, starring alongside James Spader, Ruaridh Mollica and James D'Arcy. — Paul Brett, Space.com, 2 Sep. 2026 When doors open — the company is targeting late 2026 — anticipate a walk-around, floor-to-ceiling experience that pays homage to the art of cinema with a sci-fi, psychedelic-like bent. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 The ensemble draws inspiration via an assortment of sources, including the character uniforms from anime TV shows and sci-fi movies as well as her favorite contemporary artist, Mariko Mori. — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 31 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

See All Rhymes for sci-fi

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 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All