Pronunciation: o ̇ l- ' t ə r-n ə -tiv, al-
Function: adjective
Date: 1540
1 : ALTERNATE 1
2 : offering or expressing a choice <several alternative plans>
3 : different from the usual or conventional: as a : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system <an alternative newspaper> < alternative lifestyles> b : of, relating to, or being rock music that is regarded as an alternative to conventional rock and is typically influenced by punk rock, hard rock, hip-hop, or folk music c : of or relating to alternative medicine < alternative therapies>
– al · ter · na · tive · ly adverb
– al · ter · na · tive · ness noun