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.
"Partially because we are so under-represented in alternative music," she says.
From BBC ● Jun. 13, 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
A BBC TV News report about the chart battle is remembered as the moment when alternative music culture truly broke through to the mainstream.
From BBC ● Feb. 16, 2026
Perhaps the station’s most well-known personality, Matt Pinfield is a former MTV VJ and one-time host of the popular alternative music show “120 Minutes.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 4, 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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