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

Ben’s influences are more in that English alternative rock space, mine’s more of that Sixties and Seventies rock space, and then Gene’s are like ‘90s American rock bands. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025

The alternative rock and new metal band from the LA area performs in the South Bay. —Jake Richardson, Mercury News, 8 Sep. 2025

The group has regularly challenged conventions of what could be commercially successful and pushed alternative rock to new and exciting places throughout the years. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025

The iconic alternative rock station 89X is back on the air after a five-year absence, flipping formats again on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 28, and reviving a cultural staple of the Detroit-Windsor music scene. —Nour Rahal, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2025

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