riff

1 of 3

noun

ˈrif 

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

riff

2 of 3

verb (1)

riffed; riffing; riffs

intransitive verb

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

riff

3 of 3

verb (2)

riffed; riffing; riffs

: riffle, skim

riff pages

Synonyms of riff

Noun

• interpretation
• variation
• version

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

Noun

The chugging and churning riffs of the Swedish hard-core band’s breakout song once used to echo the pressure-cooker atmosphere of the kitchen. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 26 June 2026

Don’t miss the Vịt Quay (a Manhattan riff) with an aged quail egg as garnish, the curry prawns or the the durian mousse for dessert. — Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Verb

The series mixed stand-up and sketch comedy that riffed on popular culture. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 18 June 2026

Parsing out the greatest of the great in a body of work that riffs on everything and anything that defines modern culture is a tall task. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably by shortening & alteration from refrain

Verb (2)

short for riffle

First Known Use

Noun

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1935, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for riff

• biff
• cliff
• diff
• glyph
• griff
• if
• schiff
• skiff
• sniff
• stiff
• tiff
• whiff