1. a style of American popular music characterized by a syncopated melodic line and regularly accented accompaniment, especially popular from about 1895 to 1915

Examples

• Scott Joplin was one of the most famous ragtime composers.
• The pianist played a lively ragtime tune at the saloon.
• Ragtime music influenced the development of jazz.
• She learned to play ragtime on the old upright piano.
• The ragtime era brought a new rhythm to American music.
• His fingers danced across the keys in perfect ragtime style.