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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rollout of Messages comes amid a wave of artists leaving the platform in search of alternative music streaming services, driven by concerns over company leadership. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 28 Aug. 2025 A little more than a quarter century ago, Red Hot Chili Peppers changed the sound of alternative music forever. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Of course, most fans of alternative music get their fix by streaming songs on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and other sources. Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 11 Aug. 2025 But the movement away from more alternative music doesn’t discourage him or his brother from attending. Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 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 10 Sep. 2025.

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