noun
rag
A piece of ragtime music.
The pianist plays a lively rag with a syncopated melody.
Etymology
Rag shortens ragtime. The longer musical term is associated with ragged or syncopated rhythm, and the short form names one composition in that style.
More examples
- She learned a Scott Joplin rag for the recital.
- The program ended with a familiar rag.
- He arranged the rag for a small brass group.
Forms
rag · rags
Similar words
- ragtime
- The musical style rather than one composition.