alternative pop

noun

: pop music that has broad appeal but that is produced by performers who are outside the musical mainstream and that is typically regarded as more original, eclectic, or musically or intellectually challenging than most pop music

called also alt-pop

Examples of alternative pop 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.
His tastes revolved around the intersection of alternative pop, ambient heavy bass, folk and tropical house. Marcus K. Dowling, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025 Fearless alternative pop singer Noga Erez is on the brink of superstardom with a unique, captivating sound and a major studio album on the way. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2026 After the release of their 2023 album Table for Two, the alternative pop-rock duo recognized that there were a lot of things left unsaid. Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 16 Jan. 2026 The album, which features some of their songs in Spanish, is filled with addictive beats, earworm lyrics, and memorable hooks that blend hyper-pop, hip-hop, house, dance, and alternative pop with Latin beats. Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for alternative pop

Word History

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alternative pop was in 1985

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Cite this Entry

“Alternative pop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alternative%20pop. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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