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

Taking a cue from nickelodeon piano players, composer John Powell steers the mood with a vibrantly eclectic score of sprightly ragtime, violin pathos and popcorn crescendos. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Nilsson’s watercolors complemented the work of the Hairy Who while also being slightly off-key; imagine the same hectic ragtime played on a calliope instead of a piano. — Jeremy Lybarger, Artforum, 2 June 2026

Blues developed after the Civil War (1861–65) and was influenced by 19th-century work songs and field hollers, minstrel show music, ragtime, and church music such as spirituals and hymns, as well as the folk and popular music of white Southerners. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026

My work, along all of the other tremendous artists being recognized for ragtime. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from ragged + time

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ragtime

• airtime
• bedtime
• daytime
• downtime
• enzyme
• halftime
• lifetime
• longtime
• lunchtime
• mealtime
• meantime
• nighttime

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