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dubstep

American

[duhb-step] / ˈdʌbˌstɛp /

noun

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.

dubstep British

/ ˈdʌbˌstɛp /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

British dubstep star Benga has pulled out of Coachella festival in California after a "snag" with his US visa.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2024

A day spent listening to George Kirby’s dubstep music?

From Seattle Times • Feb. 29, 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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023