indie

American  

[in-dee] / ˈɪn di /

noun

1. an independently or privately owned business, especially a film or music company that is not affiliated with a larger and more commercial company.

   to work for an indie.

2. a movie or other work produced by such a company.

3. a genre of music, especially pop or rock, that is independently produced.

4. a person who works for an independently owned business or is self-employed.

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adjective

1. noting or relating to an indie.

   an indie film producer;

   an indie video game.

2. noting or relating to independently produced music.

   indie rock;

   an indie pop group.

indie British  

/ ˈɪndɪ /

noun

1. informal

   1. an independent film or record company

   2. ( as modifier )

      an indie producer

      the indie charts

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Etymology

Origin of indie

First recorded in 1940–45; ind(ependent) + -ie

Explanation

An indie band makes music on their own or on a very small record company, not with a large recording label. Your favorite indie group probably makes most of its money from touring, rather than by selling its music online. Pop musicians who record songs independently of major labels are indie, and indie filmmakers work with small budgets and unknown actors, rather than large, well-funded film companies. The adjective is also sometimes used simply to mean "simple," "not commercial," or "outside of the mainstream." Indie, a shortened form of independent, has been around since about 1920, originally referring to movies, and by 1945 it was also used for music labels.

Example Sentences

Together, Coppola and Jacobs dominated and defined what indie style looked like at the turn of the century.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

The Wonder Stuff will be supported by Manchester indie band Inspiral Carpets on the tour which starts in October and tickets will go on sale from 10:00 GMT on 27 March on the band's website.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Ryan Coogler launched his career with an indie look at police brutality in America.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

The streamer considers itself the first step toward “an enduring career” for today’s indie artists.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

“School,” I say, trying to sound natural, trying to sound like my sudden interest in the old-school indie rock is what all the brown girls are doing these days.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon