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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web With its fast start, Ocean Blvd becomes the U.S. alternative pop singer’s eighth top 10 LP in these parts, and fifth leader following Born To Die (from 2012), Ultraviolence (2014), Honeymoon (2015) and Lust For Life (2017). Lars Brandle, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2023 This is an alternative R&B and alternative pop song. Kris Holt, Forbes, 9 Feb. 2023 The all-female alternative pop band was founded during their teen years in Provo, Utah, and is made up of two sisters and their childhood best friends — vocalist and guitarist Cristal Ramirez, drummer Alisa Ramirez, guitarist Katie Henderson, and bassist McKenna Petty. Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 24 June 2022 In addition to his work with Pulp, Mackey also lent his talent as a songwriter and producer to nurturing the next generation of alternative pop darlings, working with artists including Florence and the Machine, M.I.A. and Arcade Fire. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2023 For February 22 This is a pop and alternative pop song. Kris Holt, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2023 In 2022, Louis Tomlinson released his sophomore album Faith in the Future which leaned into an alternative pop-rock sound as a departure from his boy band days. Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 9 Feb. 2023 Camila Cabello empathizes with bottom 2 singers Soul-folk powerhouse Morgan Myles and alternative pop singer Devix sailed into the next round of the competition after securing the top two spots on Team Camila with America’s vote. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 16 Nov. 2022 All 40 plus clients of Blackman’s — ranging from R&B to alternative pop and jazz artists — will also be joining APA, including Blackbear, Robert Glasper, Kamasi Washington and Music Soulchild. Michaela Zee, Variety, 4 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alternative pop.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative pop was in 1985

Dictionary Entries Near alternative pop

Cite this Entry

“Alternative pop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20pop. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!