# indie

/ˈɪndi/ (US) · /ˈɪndi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indie
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. independent from the mainstream

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. a genre of music

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. an independent creator or work

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

a person, company, or product that is independent.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The band signed with a small indie instead of a major label.
- After years of working for a large studio, she left to start her own indie and produce personal documentaries.
- The rise of digital distribution platforms has allowed many an indie to bypass traditional gatekeepers, reaching a global audience without the marketing budget of a multinational corporation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.