ragtime

noun

rag·​time ˈrag-ˌtīm How to pronounce ragtime (audio)
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 That show was a rare revival of the Broadway musical about ragtime jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton, and Van Lieu remembers it as an impressive showcase of Randolph’s talents. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2024 Or, just focus on the delightful oddity of a restrained Maya Rudolph playing the ragtime king, who has mastered time travel seemingly for the sole purpose of running down Anna Kournikova over her lackluster showings on the court. Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 10 May 2024 The duo performs arrangements of classics from the stride piano, ragtime, boogie-woogie and swing era traditions. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 May 2024 In the 1890s, Ernest Hogan, an early ragtime entertainer, briefly lived in Belvidere Hollow working as a piano player. Sarah Biegelsen, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ragtime 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ragtime.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

probably from ragged + time

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ragtime was in 1896

Dictionary Entries Near ragtime

Cite this Entry

“Ragtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ragtime. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

ragtime

noun
rag·​time ˈrag-ˌtīm How to pronounce ragtime (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ragtime

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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