alt-

¹

1. variant of alti- before a vowel:

   altazimuth.

alt-

²

1. a combining form of alternative, used in compound words describing a nontraditional or unconventional version within a genre or category, often something provocative, subversive, or innovative: the alt-right movement; writers of alt-lit;

   alt-country bands;

   the alt-right movement;

   alt-weeklies;

   writers of alt-lit;

   quinoa and other alt-grains.

alt

³

[ alt ]

adjective

1. high.

noun

1. in alt, in the first octave above the treble staff.

alt.

⁴

abbreviation for

1. alteration.
2. alternate.
3. altitude.
4. alto.

alt

/ ælt /

adjective

1. (esp of vocal music) high in pitch
2. of or relating to the octave commencing with the G above the top line of the treble staff

noun

1. in alt
   in the octave directly above the treble staff

Word History and Origins

Origin of alt-¹

First recorded in 1985–90; from the use of the prefix alt- in Usenet, to denote newsgroups with unconventional discussion topics

Origin of alt-²

1525–35; < Provençal < Latin altum, noun use of neuter of altus high

Word History and Origins

Origin of alt-¹

C16: from Provençal, from Latin altus high, deep

Example Sentences

It was called Future Soundtrack for America, and it contained a hodgepodge of covers, alt versions, and unreleased tracks from an array of artists.

From Slate

They have sought to imbue the app with social norms, like encouraging users to post alt text with their pictures so that blind users can engage with them.

From Slate

Catalonia's meteorological service issued a rain warning from Friday evening until Saturday afternoon for the area of Alt Emporda, where Cadaqués is located.

From BBC

Joe Alt’s trial by fire in the NFL continues with Cleveland’s Myles Garrett.

From Los Angeles Times

He says the young men he is referring to are not part of some radical alt right, incel cabal.

From BBC