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

But for his rendition, Parish builds a steady, riding tension on the lowest string, translating the higher melody into something more like a metal riff. —Sam Sodomsky, Pitchfork, 6 Mar. 2026

In testing, the ominous backbeat drove the track, while the screeching riffs and vocals stood against it. —Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 6 Mar. 2026

Verb

In a comedy special released last week, the thirty-nine-year-old comedian prances around the stage in a purple jumpsuit and sparkly red shoes, riffing on millennial-friendly topics such as Lin-Manuel Miranda and Fleet Foxes. —Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026

Trump has treated the opening week of the war as an improvisational jazz session, riffing on different analyses, strategies, and endgames in conversations with numerous reporters. —Karim Sadjadpour, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 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