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
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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 In 1946, Foster introduced modern dance moves to up-tempo styles of music like ragtime and jazz. Marley Malenfant, Austin American-Statesman, 27 Aug. 2024 Yeston, who also co-wrote Nine and Grand Hotel, melds orchestra depth with touches of ragtime and Irish folk music. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for ragtime 

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 7 Dec. 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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