Setting

imaginary, typically self-consistent world with its own rules and characters, different from the real world; often used as a background or basis in story telling

science fiction with emphasis on scientific or technical detail, or on scientific accuracy

sub-genre of science fiction emphasizing adventure

time and place within a narrative, whether fiction or non-fiction

Worldbuilding is the process of constructing an imaginary world or setting, sometimes associated with a fictional universe. Developing the world with coherent qualities such as a history, geography, culture and ecology is a key task for many science fiction or fantasy writers. Worldbuilding often involves the creation of geography, a backstory, flora, fauna, inhabitants, technology, and often if writing speculative fiction, different peoples. This may include social customs as well as invented languages (often called conlangs) for the world.

concept of multiple coexisting universes or realities in science fiction

fictional universe in which works written by one or multiple writers are set

a world in a fantasy setting

fictional story telling device

plot device