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
Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
And don’t forget to book a table at the bijou Il Piccolo restaurant, comprising just nine tables to offer—in the spirit of Violino d’Oro more broadly—subtle, meticulously executed riffs on classic Venetian fare and the flavors of the lagoon.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Thirty shorts — selected from 50 submissions — will be screened, all riffing on the theme of intimacy.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Then Again by engaging Colbert in a comedy riff-off that saw the pair taking hilarious jabs at each other on a variety of topics.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Oct. 2025
And don’t forget to book a table at the bijou Il Piccolo restaurant, comprising just nine tables to offer—in the spirit of Violino d’Oro more broadly—subtle, meticulously executed riffs on classic Venetian fare and the flavors of the lagoon.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
Our reviewers love this recipe for its comforting and familiar flavors, ease of preparation, and ability to be riffed on for even more tasty flavor combinations.
—Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025
Thirty shorts — selected from 50 submissions — will be screened, all riffing on the theme of intimacy.
—Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share