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

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Together, these tracks prove that LGBTQ+ musicians were absolutely integral to the decade, reshaping the broader culture while also fueling the rebellious spirit of alternative music. —

Juan Velasquez, Them, 11 Oct. 2024 The heavy metal, rock, punk, and alternative music festival at the Highland Festival Grounds, 937 Phillips Lane, has a raging line-up for Friday, including headliners Slayer, Till Lindemann, Anthrax, Evanescence and In This Moment. —

Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 27 Sep. 2024 Founded in 1995, Warped Tour made a name for itself as one of the biggest rock and alternative music festivals in North America. —

Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes, 12 Sep. 2024 Listeners can tune in to 92.9 FM anywhere from Los Gatos to North San Jose to Sunnyvale to hear alternative music, news of the day or interviews with artists. —

Isha Trivedi, The Mercury News, 4 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alternative music

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of alternative music was in 1974

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Alternative music.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20music. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.

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