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

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

He’ll be joined by alternative rock duo Girl Tones. —Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 26 Feb. 2026

The ‘90s alternative rock heavyweights touted a global live return in 2020, but those plans were crushed by pandemic. —Lars Brandle, Billboard, 25 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alternative rock

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