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
Billboard China, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
Throughout the performance, Clarkson could be heard delivering some stellar vocal riffs in between the actor’s pearls of wisdom.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Alec Lewis, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The two Jennifers belted side-by-side on Hudson’s daytime stage, trading verses and riffs along the way.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
The track opens with a provocative guitar riff, setting the stage for a fierce jungle hunt rather than a dull cat-and-mouse game.
—Billboard China, Billboard, 1 Oct. 2025
Throughout the performance, Clarkson could be heard delivering some stellar vocal riffs in between the actor’s pearls of wisdom.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
Nine players riffed on three separate topics, including their thoughts about baby wipes, video games and phone chargers.
—Alec Lewis, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
The two Jennifers belted side-by-side on Hudson’s daytime stage, trading verses and riffs along the way.
—Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 24 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 2025.
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