ragtime

noun

rag·​time ˈrag-ˌtīm 

1

: rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody with a regularly accented accompaniment in stride-piano style

2

: music having ragtime rhythm

Examples of ragtime in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Two of Beethoven’s most philosophical, probing sonatas frame a suite of jazz, ragtime, and popular song — from Joplin to Nina Simone … Charles Ives didn’t just want to mix popular and classical music. —Jane Levere, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Part of the university's Public Appearances series, the show features seasonal favorites in a mix of blues, jazz and ragtime. —Eric E. Harrison, arkansasonline.com, 11 Dec. 2024

Joplin also incorporated ragtime into a number of other works, including a ballet and two operas. —Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 26 Nov. 2024

Featuring an incredible array of special guests, the album spanned spirituals, blues, jazz, ragtime, big band, fusion, R&B, and hip hop, and won the 1992 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from ragged + time

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

ragtime

noun

rag·​time ˈrag-ˌtīm 

1

: music played with a strong march-style rhythm and a lively melody with accented notes falling on beats that are not usually accented

2

: music having ragtime rhythm