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
Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
But this is also Coogler’s riff on the Western, with circling buzzards and black hats; his stylish crime-flick pastiche, with sleek suits and loaded guns; and a Southern Gothic melodrama about the sins of the father and the return of prodigal sons.
—A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
These hawker markets not only show off how the city-state has embraced and riffed off its multi-cultural ties but also offer some of the most delicious and affordable food experiences anywhere in the world.
—Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
Over the years there’s been countless riffs on the sweeping low frame design with many conjuring up images of baskets filled with flowers riding alongside a canal in the summertime in Europe.
—Trinity Francis, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
But this is also Coogler’s riff on the Western, with circling buzzards and black hats; his stylish crime-flick pastiche, with sleek suits and loaded guns; and a Southern Gothic melodrama about the sins of the father and the return of prodigal sons.
—A.a. Dowd, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
Wyclef and Wayne also riffed on guitar during the sessions.
—Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025
These hawker markets not only show off how the city-state has embraced and riffed off its multi-cultural ties but also offer some of the most delicious and affordable food experiences anywhere in the world.
—Nicole Trilivas, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 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 24 Apr. 2025.
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