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
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.
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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
Among the notable names in this year’s alternative music categories are Bon Iver, the Cure, Turnstile, and Wet Leg.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternative music
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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
Among the notable names in this year’s alternative music categories are Bon Iver, the Cure, Turnstile, and Wet Leg.
—Walden Green, Pitchfork, 7 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternative music
Cite this Entry
“Alternative music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20music. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
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