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)

called also alt-rock

Examples of alternative rock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One year after its successful location move (from Centennial Olympic Park to Piedmont Park) and seasonal shift (from May to September), Shaky Knees Festival returns this weekend for alternative rock and complementary sounds and styles. — Matthew W. Smith, AJC.com, 16 Sep. 2026

The alternative rock act is currently on tour in the United Kingdom in support of their new album, LOVE, the first through a deal with Heavenly Recordings. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 10 Sep. 2026

The band is credited with ending the glam-rock trend of the 1980s and giving rise to the alternative rock scene. — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026

The array of influences shows up in her music, which pulls from everything, including rage rap, southern hip-hop, emo and alternative rock. — Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alternative rock

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