alternative music

noun

: music that is produced by performers who are outside the musical mainstream, that is typically regarded as more eclectic, original, or challenging than most popular music (such as conventional rock, pop, or country), and that is often distributed by independent record labels

Examples of alternative music 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.
Her music is a blend of roadhouse roots-rock, modern-day folk, alternative music, blues and analog Americana, according to her website. Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 6 July 2025 In addition to discussing business, family, and contemporary skateboarding history, Hawk is just as easy to talk to about music, especially 1990s punk and alternative music. Andy Frye, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 Since breaking in 1988 with their debut LP Surfer Rosa, Pixies has cast a Godzilla-sized shadow on alternative music. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025 The album as a whole was a reaction to the rise of industrial/alternative music. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for alternative music

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative music was in 1974

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Cite this Entry

“Alternative music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20music. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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