alternative pop

noun

: pop music that has broad appeal but that is produced by performers who are outside the musical mainstream and that is typically regarded as more original, eclectic, or musically or intellectually challenging than most pop music

called also alt-pop

Examples of alternative pop in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tree was known for mixing alternative pop, electronic music and comedy, sporting a bowl-mullet haircut and making oversized, 1980s-style fashion choices. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 14 June 2026

Collaborations have followed with likeminded alternative pop artists PinkPantheress and FKA twigs, and Oklou is fresh off buzzy performances at Coachella earlier this month. —Piet Levy, jsonline.com, 26 Apr. 2026

Fearless alternative pop singer Noga Erez is on the brink of superstardom with a unique, captivating sound and a major studio album on the way. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026

In Unfold, the group showcased their expanding global footprint by working alongside American producers and songwriters and delivering emotional English-language R&B, pop, hip-hop, and alternative pop tracks. —Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alternative pop

• atop
• backdrop
• backstop
• bebop
• blacktop
• bookshop
• clatsop
• desktop
• eavesdrop
• estop
• hardtop
• hilltop