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
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Robinson extended his interactive set, chatting with the grandmother in the front row and pulling an aspiring crooner from the back to riff a few blues numbers.
—Julie Seabaugh, Los Angeles Times, 14 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
Photo: Focus Features/Everett Collection A Coen brothers riff on the spy genre, Burn After Reading is filled with self-mythologizing drunks, unskilled opportunists, and borderline morons.
—Keith Phipps, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Robinson extended his interactive set, chatting with the grandmother in the front row and pulling an aspiring crooner from the back to riff a few blues numbers.
—Julie Seabaugh, Los Angeles Times, 14 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 1 Apr. 2025.
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