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
Synonyms
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
Lizz Schumer, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
The game is a riff on Paul Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers (1997), complete with satirical military propaganda, a war against insectoid aliens, and cyborgs.
—Richard Newby, TIME, 5 Dec. 2024
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
Here's how to get one There are several Easter eggs throughout the film referencing Swift's lyrics, and the plot is unmistakably meant to riff on the real-life romance that has captivated football fans and Swifties alike.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff 
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Noun
Buy Now See Which PEOPLE Book Picks Also Made the New York Times' Top 100 of 2024
05 of 10
'James' by Percival Everett
From the author of Erasure, this National Book Award winner is an ingenious riff on Huckleberry Finn as told by Jim, the enslaved man who rafts with Huck down the Mississippi.
—Lizz Schumer, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024
The game is a riff on Paul Verhoeven’s Starship Troopers (1997), complete with satirical military propaganda, a war against insectoid aliens, and cyborgs.
—Richard Newby, TIME, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
And given the numerous times when lame riffing on juvenile yuks grinds the film’s gears to a halt, its nearly two-hour runtime feels awfully indulgent.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 6 Dec. 2024
Here's how to get one There are several Easter eggs throughout the film referencing Swift's lyrics, and the plot is unmistakably meant to riff on the real-life romance that has captivated football fans and Swifties alike.
—Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff
Dictionary Entries Near riff
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
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