# Indies

/ˈɪndiz/ (US) · /ˈɪndiz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/indies
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. independent companies

noun · CEFR B1 · Informal

companies, especially in music, film, or video games, that are not part of a large corporation.

For teachers: independent companies or artists, particularly within the entertainment industry, operating outside the major studio or label systems.

- Many gamers prefer indies because they often have more creative and unique ideas.
- The rise of digital distribution platforms has allowed indies to compete more effectively with major publishers for market share.

### 2. historical regions

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic

a name used in the past for regions like the Caribbean (West Indies) or Southeast Asia (East Indies).

For teachers: a historical geographical term referring to the East Indies (South and Southeast Asia) or the West Indies (the Caribbean).

- In the 1700s, many ships sailed to the Indies to trade for spices and silk.
- The colonial powers established vast trade networks connecting Europe to the wealth of the East Indies during the seventeenth century.

### 3. independent films or records

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

films or music albums produced by small, independent companies.

For teachers: cultural products, such as films, records, or publications, produced by independent companies.

- The local cinema only shows indies and foreign language films.
- The festival is a celebrated showcase for low-budget indies that might otherwise struggle to find a mainstream audience.

## Examples

- The explorer sailed west hoping to find a route to the Indies.
- Spices from the East Indies were highly valued in European markets during the seventeenth century.

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