# ragtime

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɹæɡˌtaɪm/ · frequency rank #48,994

## Definitions
1. A musical form having a rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody with a regularly accented accompaniment.
2. A piece of music in this style.

## Etymology
Likely from ragged + time, in reference to its heavy use of syncopation, or from rag, an American dialectal term for a dance ball.

## Easily confused with
- **regime** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ragtime-vs-regime)
- **realtime** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/ragtime-vs-realtime)

## Common misspellings (10)
`argtime`, `raggtime`, `ragitme`, `ragtiem`, `ragtimme`, `ragtmie`, `ragttime`, `ratgime`, `rgatime`, `rragtime`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/ragtime