dubstep

American  

[duhb-step] / ˈdʌbˌstɛp /

noun

1. a style of mostly instrumental electronic music, originating in London, influenced by dub and characterized by syncopated rhythm and an emphasis on bass and drum elements.

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dubstep British  

/ ˈdʌbˌstɛp /

noun

1. a genre of electronic music conveying a dark and brooding atmosphere through prominent bass lines

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Etymology

Origin of dubstep

2000–05; dub ⁴ (in the sense “a subgenre of reggae produced by remixing”) + step

Compare meaning

How does dubstep compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• EDM vs. dubstep

Example Sentences

A U.K. version of the heavily processed, bass-saturated sound known as dubstep was gaining prominence, and Ms. Ware was loosely associated with this scene.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

It's got disco, it's got dubstep, it's kind of a perfect pop album.

From Salon • Nov. 24, 2024

The genre has consistently evolved since the 1990s, becoming a party-starting sound and influencing bassline, grime and dubstep.

From BBC • Aug. 16, 2024

The festival features techno, house and dubstep music and was expected to attract roughly 70,000 daily attendees.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024

Leo had also installed a keyboard, monitor, aviation controls from a Learjet, a dubstep soundboard, and motion-control sensors from a Nintendo Wii.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan