1al;ter;na;tive pronunciation: function: adjective date: 1540 1 : alternate 12 : offering or expressing a choice lt;several alternative plansgt;3 : different from the usual or conventional: as a : existing or functioning outside the established cultural, social, or economic system lt;an alternative newspapergt; lt;alternative lifestylesgt; 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 lt;alternative therapiesgt; — al;ter;na;tive;ly adverb — al;ter;na;tive;ness noun