alt-country

noun

alt-coun·​try ˈȯlt-ˈkən-trē 

: country music that is produced by performers who are outside the mainstream of country music and that is typically regarded as differing from mainstream country in being less polished, more original, and more eclectic especially in incorporating influences from such genres as rock, folk music, blues, and punk

Examples of alt-country in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the late 1980s, Tweedy helped invent the idea of alt-country music with his band Uncle Tupelo; today he’s best known as the frontman of Wilco, which since 1994 has been steadily expanding the boundaries of American roots rock. —Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

Formed in 2023, the alt-country group is speedrunning to mainstream success, and is expected to be featured in national coverage in 2026, with more touring and social media exposure. —Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026

The Context Snider's death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in Americana, alt-country and folk music. —Megan Cartwright, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Nov. 2025

Americana star Todd Snider, a prominent voice in alt-country, has died at age 59. —Audrey Gibbs, USA Today, 16 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

short for alternative country

First Known Use

1993, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alt-country

• backcountry
• countrie
• country
• intercountry