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
The Paradox played catchy, loud songs at an NFT party — the group just became the first Black band to top Billboard’s alternative rock charts.
—
Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Music fans who were 16 when the Pumpkins helped shape the sound of alternative rock in 1993 were 23 when the band put out Machina/The Machines of God in 2000, and rapidly aging out of usefulness to MTV’s bottom line.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
During the camping festival March 19-22, which is back after a two-year hiatus, fans can experience a selection of music that blends genres from hip-hop, funk and reggae to alternative rock, folk and plenty of EDM.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026
This is a duo of bands, linked by shared members, whose influence on post-punk, electronic music and alternative rock is widely acknowledged by musicians and critics alike.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alternative rock
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.
Ramon Ramirez, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026
Music fans who were 16 when the Pumpkins helped shape the sound of alternative rock in 1993 were 23 when the band put out Machina/The Machines of God in 2000, and rapidly aging out of usefulness to MTV’s bottom line.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 3 Mar. 2026
During the camping festival March 19-22, which is back after a two-year hiatus, fans can experience a selection of music that blends genres from hip-hop, funk and reggae to alternative rock, folk and plenty of EDM.
—Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2026
This is a duo of bands, linked by shared members, whose influence on post-punk, electronic music and alternative rock is widely acknowledged by musicians and critics alike.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alternative rock
Cite this Entry
“Alternative rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20rock. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
