alternative music
noun
: music that is produced by performers who are outside the musical mainstream, that is typically regarded as more eclectic, original, or challenging than most popular music (such as conventional rock, pop, or country), and that is often distributed by independent record labels
Examples of alternative music in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
A little more than a quarter century ago, Red Hot Chili Peppers changed the sound of alternative music forever.
—
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
But the movement away from more alternative music doesn’t discourage him or his brother from attending.
—Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
On night two of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture Event Series at the Caesars Superdome, as some of the biggest names in soul, R&B, Afrobeat, reggae, and alternative music prepared to perform, the atmosphere behind the scenes was just as charged as the show unfolding under the spotlight.
—Bryanna Symone, Essence, 7 July 2025
The Pro Skater series has long been credited for introducing players to underground and alternative music scenes, with soundtracks that often mirrored skate culture’s raw energy.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternative music
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.
Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
But the movement away from more alternative music doesn’t discourage him or his brother from attending.
—Sophie Levenson, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
On night two of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture Event Series at the Caesars Superdome, as some of the biggest names in soul, R&B, Afrobeat, reggae, and alternative music prepared to perform, the atmosphere behind the scenes was just as charged as the show unfolding under the spotlight.
—Bryanna Symone, Essence, 7 July 2025
The Pro Skater series has long been credited for introducing players to underground and alternative music scenes, with soundtracks that often mirrored skate culture’s raw energy.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for alternative music
Cite this Entry
“Alternative music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20music. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share