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

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Its moody atmosphere is matched by a clever cocktail list, where each drink is named after a famous alternative music album. Susmita Baral, Travel + Leisure, 6 Dec. 2025 The artist’s new album — which earned Williams four Grammy nominations, including best alternative music album — sees the rocker reflecting on her upbringing in a Southern Christian community, as well as the history of racial tensions in the area. Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025 The Fall John Coltrane, A Love Supreme Jonathan Byers’s love of punk and alternative music has factored into the series from the first episode. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2025 Tyler himself will also grace the stage just weeks after scoring five 2026 Grammy nominations, including album of the year and best rap album with Chromakopia and best alternative music album with Don’t Tap The Glass. Heran Mamo, Billboard, 14 Nov. 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 21 Dec. 2025.

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