1
: an ostinato phrase (as in jazz) typically supporting a solo improvisation
also
: a piece based on such a phrase
2
: a rapid energetic often improvised verbal outpouring
especially
: one that is part of a comic performance
3
: a succinct usually witty comment
4
: a distinct variation : take
a disturbing … riff on the Cinderella story—
Daria Donnelly
Daria Donnelly
riffed; riffing; riffs
: to perform, deliver, or make use of a riff
Examples of riff in a Sentence
Noun
He stole that riff from another song.
a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events
Recent Examples on the Web
Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Mayhem has largely had its fill of crunchy riffs and sweetly disconcerting chord progressions by the fourth song.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2025
Jillian Dara, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Those youths, aged 14 to 17, also chose the music for the exhibition, and worked with Storey and his team to create new designs that riffed on the clothing in the show.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
Aranda’s high-energy performance — full of hard riffs, melodic vocals and electric lighting — helped solidify Pomona’s presence in the music world.
—Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Mayhem has largely had its fill of crunchy riffs and sweetly disconcerting chord progressions by the fourth song.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
For example, riff on a margarita by using kiwi to replace the classic sweeteners of triple sec and agave nectar.
—Jillian Dara, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
Those youths, aged 14 to 17, also chose the music for the exhibition, and worked with Storey and his team to create new designs that riffed on the clothing in the show.
—Samantha Conti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.
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