1 : rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody with a regularly accented accompaniment in stride-piano style. 2 : music having ragtime rhythm.

Where did the phrase ragtime come from?

Ragtime (the term apparently derives from "ragged time," or syncopation) evolved in the late 19th century in the playing of honky-tonk pianists along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

What is an example of ragtime?

Ragtime - A genre of musical composition for the piano, generally in duple meter and containing a highly syncopated treble lead over a rhythmically steady bass. ... For instance, waltzes were referred to as being "in waltz-time." "March-time" and "jig-time" also described the meter, basic rhythm, and function of style.