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Definition of "ragtime" [rag•time]

  • A style of jazz characterized by elaborately syncopated rhythm in the melody and a steadily accented accompaniment. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "ragtime" in a sentence
  • "Writing ragtime is one of those things that, for me at least, the more you do it, the longer it takes."
  • "There was little opportunity for the spirit of the place to return with its quietude and repose, for the man's voice, raised in ragtime song, still dominated the cãnon with possession."
  • "He also is an excellent piano player, with a touch for Scott Joplin ragtime tunes, despite taking lessons for only two years."