Word
indie
Phoneticsin·die, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪndi/
UK/ˈɪndi/
Definitions
01independent from the mainstream
B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal
adj. describes music, films, or businesses that are not part of a large, famous company.
adj. produced by an independent company or creator, typically characterized by a non-mainstream aesthetic or smaller budget.
“She loves watching indie films at the small cinema downtown.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a genre of music
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Music Informal
n. a style of rock or pop music that is often soft and uses electronic sounds.
n. a genre of alternative rock or pop music characterized by an unpolished sound and an independent ethos.
“He mostly listens to indie and folk music on his commute.”
“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.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03an independent creator or work
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Informal
n. a person, company, or product that is independent.
n. an independent creator, publisher, or a specific work produced outside the major studio or label system.
“The awards show celebrated the best indies of the year.”
“The rise of digital distribution platforms has allowed many indies to compete directly with established industry giants.”
Teaching tip
In this sense, the word is a countable noun and often refers to video game developers or film producers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Their fantastic second album, Autosmile, is their first with the venerated indie label 4AD.” “The one-time “megastar” is now more likely to be described as an “indie darling”.” Etymology
From independent, by shortening, + -ie. Used of popular music since the 1980s, and of cinema for some decades before that.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/indie