alternative rock

noun

: alternative music that blends elements of conventional rock with influences from other musical styles (such as punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk)

Examples of alternative rock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Formed in Southern California in 2011, the group built its following on a genre-blurring sound that mixes alternative rock, indie pop and hip-hop influences, anchored by frontman Jesse Rutherford’s brooding vocals. —Travis Pinson, Dallas Morning News, 26 Mar. 2026

The alternative rock band sang about love, mental health, heartbreak and personal triumph, inspiring the colorful crowd. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Mar. 2026

Absolutely rocks to me has all these elements of alternative rock that like remind me of standing outside of my brother's room and being like, this is really cool. —Outside Online, 25 Mar. 2026

One of the most innovative bands in alternative rock right now performs in Arabic, is fully independent, and has a lead singer who teaches English as a Second Language at a high school outside of Richmond, Virginia. —Danny Hajjar, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alternative rock

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• isopach
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk