Ragtimes refer to a lively musical genre that originated in America during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Synonyms for this genre include "syncopated music," "ragged time," "ragged rhythm," "stride," and "jazz." Ragtime was characterized by its syncopated rhythms, which created a distinctive sound that became popular across the United States. The genre was closely associated with African American culture, and many of the early composers and performers were black. During its height of popularity, ragtime was featured in dances, sheet music, and even in early films. Today, the legacy of ragtime can be heard in modern jazz and other popular music genres.