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indie

adj. · n.
US //ˈɪndi// UK //ˈɪndi// in·die
  1. 1 independent from the mainstream (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    describes music, films, or businesses that are not part of a large, famous company.

    produced by an independent company or creator, typically characterized by a non-mainstream aesthetic or smaller budget.

    Example

    She loves watching indie films at the small cinema downtown.

    Example

    The developer chose to remain an indie studio to maintain full creative control over their narrative-driven project.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.
  2. 2 a genre of music (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Music

    a style of rock or pop music that is often soft and uses electronic sounds.

    a genre of alternative rock or pop music characterized by an unpolished sound and an independent ethos.

    Example

    He mostly listens to indie and folk music on his commute.

    Example

    While the band started in indie, their later albums adopted a more polished, radio-friendly production style.

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the genre.
    • alternative rock
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  1. 3 an independent creator or work (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    a person, company, or product that is independent.

    an independent creator, publisher, or a specific work produced outside the major studio or label system.

    Example

    The awards show celebrated the best indies of the year.

    Example

    The rise of digital distribution platforms has allowed many indies to compete directly with established industry giants.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, the word is a countable noun and often refers to video game developers or film producers.
Origin

From independent, by shortening, + -ie. Used of popular music since the 1980s, and of cinema for some decades before that.

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