alternative music
Americannoun
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music that is outside the mainstream and does not conform to the standard type of any genre, often characterized by features such as experimental or intricate instrumentation, layered sound, and reflective, emotional, or socially aware lyrics.
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rock music that departs from classic or mainstream rock, borrowing from or crossing over into other genres, such as punk, heavy metal, electronica, or folk.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"When I first got into alternative music I felt like I was betraying my race, and had to keep my love of rock practically secret," she writes in her new book.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026
In his ten years of work, he has become a leading figure in Senegal's alternative music scene, demonstrating that not all of the country's hits have to be in its homegrown Mbalax style.
From Barron's ● Feb. 23, 2026
"That's just what I've always been drawn to throughout my life, all different kinds of alternative music," he says.
From BBC ● Jan. 7, 2026
The closing of a staple in one of the biggest alternative music communities in the country is a symbol of a dismal state of affairs for a once-thriving scene.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 18, 2025
That would be the icebreaker I needed to talk to Tina and make her aware that I was a cool guy into alternative music who went on weekend concert trips with college students.
From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen
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