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
Freda Moon, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Stevenson’s daring riffs on genre classics and surprisingly explicit imagery combine with The First Omen’s unavoidable cultural context to make this IP extension feel entirely singular.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Dismukes riffed on the court ruling out of the U.K. that got attention this week with the decision that calling a man bald equated to harassment.
—Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 15 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff 
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Noun
Wilma & Frieda serves huge, hearty riffs on diner classics and breakfast cocktails to a fun crowd of locals and tourists.
—Freda Moon, New York Times, 26 Dec. 2024
Stevenson’s daring riffs on genre classics and surprisingly explicit imagery combine with The First Omen’s unavoidable cultural context to make this IP extension feel entirely singular.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024
Verb
Banksy has riffed on the Virgin and Child theme before: His 2003 work Toxic Mary portrays a Madonna figures feeding a child milk from a bottle emblazoned with a skull and crossbones.
—George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 17 Dec. 2024
Dismukes riffed on the court ruling out of the U.K. that got attention this week with the decision that calling a man bald equated to harassment.
—Andrés Buenahora, Variety, 15 Dec. 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 5 Jan. 2025.
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