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

Her songs blend a diverse range of genres — including urban, pop, regional Mexican, alternative rock and even bolero — with lyrics that span from existential themes to tracks filled with humor and unexpected imagery. — Natalia Cano, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026

So, instead of becoming a professional mini golfer, Mascis went on to form one of the most important bands in alternative rock. — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026

The track marks the band’s first collaboration with Vig since 1993’s seven-times-platinum Siamese Dream, the landmark album that helped define alternative rock’s early ’90s commercial breakthrough. — Spin Staff, SPIN, 16 Oct. 2026

Throughout the night, the group also showed their versatility by combining elements of alternative rock, hip-hop, electronica, reggae and world music. — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 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