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

Dubstep has affected his life in deeply personal ways.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

All it took was a few weeks of Dubstep Electro in theaters and suddenly “never ever” was on the table.

From Forbes • Dec. 29, 2014

Dubstep is also dealing with an upstart challenge: trap music, emerging out of hip-hop over the last decade.

From New York Times • Sep. 1, 2013

Dubstep Warz was this session where she had all the key DJs on the scene playing tracks, but more importantly talking about the music and the culture.

From The Guardian • Aug. 2, 2012

Dubstep has been around for more than a decade, an offshoot of electronic music that began in the South of London with deep, sinister bass lines, skittering drums and a distinctly underground vibe.

From Chicago Tribune • Jun. 14, 2012