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

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

Music director Bowling, who doubles as pianist and conductor from the center of the stage, the eight other musicians and 20-plus actors arrayed around her, half-jokes how much her hands hurt from rehearsing the stride style that evolved from ragtime. —Manuel Mendoza, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

Livelier than the jaunty notes of ragtime that bumped the waltz back into the last century. —Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 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