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

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

Though better known as an Oscar-winning actor, Brody has recently gained attention as a painter, exhibiting artworks that riff on work by artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and more. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 30 June 2026

Verb

His set doesn’t build enough to be rewarding in the aggregate, and his individual riffs keep stopping short of real wisdom. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 30 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