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
Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Together, even when the cameras are off, the hosts are affable and garrulous, veering from one riff to another with the impish energy of drive-time radio hosts who monitor Rasmussen polling instead of batting averages.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
His ability to riff with you in the moment and give you different [takes] is incredible.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
The branzino collars are repurposed as a riff on Buffalo wings, grilled and painted in a glaze that hits all the pleasure centers at once, with a bright, zingy vinegar punch that hums with heat.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
Together, even when the cameras are off, the hosts are affable and garrulous, veering from one riff to another with the impish energy of drive-time radio hosts who monitor Rasmussen polling instead of batting averages.
—Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 19 Feb. 2026
Verb
Ever since 1997’s Scream 2 opened with a movie theater playing a re-creation of the first film’s opening scene, the franchise has been riffing on itself — while also, in the best installments, offering some bigger-picture reflection on the horror genre or the culture at large.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2026
His ability to riff with you in the moment and give you different [takes] is incredible.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Feb. 2026
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 Mar. 2026.
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