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
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The lineup also brings other familiar names in alternative music. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026 The campus will take over Mana Wynwood, a 30-acre venue that’s known for hosting events like the alternative music festival III Points. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 Howard rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of Alabama Shakes, earning 18 Grammy nominations and five wins, including best alternative music album. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 Rather than writing traditional Broadway show tunes, Sheik and Sater created a rock score that drew on the emotional directness of alternative music. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

alternative minimum tax
alternative music
alternative pop
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Cite this Entry

“Alternative music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20music. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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