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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
My work, along all of the other tremendous artists being recognized for ragtime. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026 Livelier than the jaunty notes of ragtime that bumped the waltz back into the last century. — Danielle Parker, CBS News, 8 Mar. 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 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 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

Rhymes for ragtime

See All Rhymes for ragtime

Browse Nearby Words

ragtag and bobtail
ragtime
ragtimer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ragtime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ragtime. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of ragtime for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ragtime

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