How to pronounce ragtime
Say it like RAG-tyme. Ragtime has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAG).
- RAG
- tyme
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ragtime pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tymeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of ragtime
American and British speakers say ragtime in essentially the same way: /ˈræɡˌtaɪm/ in the US and /ˈræɡˌtaɪm/ in the UK.
British respelling: RAG-tyme.
What does ragtime mean?
- A musical form having a rhythm characterized by strong syncopation in the melody with a regularly accented accompaniment.
- A piece of music in this style.
- To perform this style of music.
Where does ragtime come from?
Likely from ragged + time, in reference to its heavy use of syncopation, or from rag, an American dialectal term for a dance ball.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying ragtime
How do you pronounce ragtime?
Say RAG-tyme. The American pronunciation is /ˈræɡˌtaɪm/. In British English it is /ˈræɡˌtaɪm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ragtime?
Ragtime has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAG). Broken into parts: RAG · tyme.
Do Americans and Brits say ragtime the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈræɡˌtaɪm/ and the British form is /ˈræɡˌtaɪm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.