alt-rock

noun

ˈȯlt-ˌräk How to pronounce alt-rock (audio)
: alternative rock
alt-rocker
ˈȯlt-ˌrä-kər How to pronounce alt-rock (audio)
noun

Examples of alt-rock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The album’s production has a bright, bracing sound that brings to mind the way Sugar balanced indie-rock tumult and alt-rock polish just as well as Nirvana or the Pixies. — Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2025 Debbi Peterson, who now lives in Washington state, has started playing with Scott McCaughey and Peter Buck of R.E.M. in the alt-rock combo the Minus 5. — Bob Mehr, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2025 The track, which will appear on Perfume Genius’ upcoming album, Glory, is a multi-faceted epic, filled with sudden tempo changes and atmospheric swings from tender folk ballad to resonant alt-rock glory. — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Feb. 2025 In the late ’80s, the Pixies put out two pivotal alt-rock LPs, Surfer Rosa and Doolittle, that set the template for grunge. — Joe Kwaczala, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for alt-rock

Word History

Etymology

by shortening

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alt-rock was in 1982

Rhymes for alt-rock

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alt-rock
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Cite this Entry

“Alt-rock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alt-rock. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on alt-rock

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alt-rock

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