riff

1 of 3

noun

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 storyDaria 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

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
This, explained Waite, is a vegan riff of a traditional Tahitian Poisson Cru. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2024 Miller proposed riffs and guided the flow with hand movements. Siddhartha Mitter, New York Times, 10 May 2024
Verb
In my few interviews with him as a newspaper reporter, Walton preferred to riff on other topics rather than revisit his UCLA career at length or to talk about himself a whole lot. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2024 Nikita Gale, 40, lives in Los Angeles and uses manufactured materials that riff on the legacies of Andre and Michael Heizer. Adam Bradley, New York Times, 10 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for riff 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'riff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably by shortening & alteration from refrain

Verb (2)

short for riffle

First Known Use

Noun

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1948, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riff was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near riff

Cite this Entry

“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 13 Jun. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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