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Definition of ragtime

ragtime

/ˈræɡ.taɪm/
rag · time
Plural:ragtimes
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ragtime Lexical Profile

ragtime Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A style of American popular music originating in the late 19th century, played especially on the piano and characterized by a strongly syncopated melody over a regular, steady bass accompaniment.

Example

"Scott Joplin became famous as the foremost composer of ragtime at the turn of the twentieth century."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for ragtime

• adjective

1

Relating to, characteristic of, or written in the style of ragtime music.

Example

"The pianist entertained the crowd with a lively ragtime tune from the early twentieth century."

• Nearby Words

raglan
ragout
ragtag
ragtime
ragtop
ragu
ragweed

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 19th century in the United States, likely as an alteration of 'ragged time,' referring to the uneven, syncopated melodic rhythm played against a steady bass beat.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ragtime. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ragtime
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