1. plural of mixtape; recordings of music compiled from various sources onto a single cassette tape, typically made for personal use or as a gift.
Usage: originally referred to cassette tapes; now often used for digital playlists or compilations; informal
2. informal recordings or albums released by musicians, often independently and outside major label distribution.
Usage: modern usage in hip-hop and rap culture; informal

Examples

• She made mixtapes for her friends with her favorite songs from the 1980s.
• He spent hours creating mixtapes to listen to during his road trip.
• The artist released several mixtapes before signing with a major record label.
• Mixtapes were a popular way to share music before streaming services existed.
• Many rappers built their careers by releasing free mixtapes online.
• I still have some old mixtapes from high school in a box in my closet.