riff

¹riff

noun \ˈrif\

Definition of RIFF

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>

Examples of RIFF

1. He stole that riff from another song.
2. <a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events>

Origin of RIFF

probably by shortening & alteration from refrain

First Known Use: 1935

Related to RIFF

Synonyms

interpretation, take, variation

Related Words

version; adaptation, translation

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, segue

Rhymes with RIFF

biff, cliff, diff, glyph, if, iff, jiff, miff, quiff, skiff, sniff, spiff, spliff, stiff, syph, tiff, whiff

²riff

intransitive verb

Definition of RIFF

: to perform, deliver, or make use of a riff

First Known Use of RIFF

1948

Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, riff, segue

³riff

verb

Definition of RIFF

: riffle, skim <riff pages>

Origin of RIFF

short for riffle

First Known Use: 1952