indie
UK: ˈɪndi | US: ˈɪndi
adj. relating to independent artists, especially in music or film
n. an independent artist, label, or production company
The word "indie" is a clipped form of "independent," first emerging in the 1920s to describe small, self-funded film productions. By the 1970s–80s, it became strongly associated with music genres (e.g., indie rock) produced without major label support. The suffix "-ie" adds a colloquial, subcultural tone, reflecting its grassroots origins. The morpheme "ind" preserves the core spelling of "independent," while "ie" softens it into an informal term.
She runs an indie record label focused on experimental jazz.
The film gained a cult following after its indie release.
Many indie developers create games with unique art styles.
Their band started as an indie project before going mainstream.
The bookstore specializes in indie authors and small presses.