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

After a long, oddly relevant riff about applying for a job that calls for five year’s experience when one year might be enough, Tolle used the example of facing the Pirates’ star Paul Skenes in his first major league start in August 2025. — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 28 Sep. 2026

For his druggy riff on Big Daddy, Firstman recruited former enemies, current friends, and a variety of other personalities from New York’s LGBTQ+ party scene. — Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026

Verb

The other is a golden circle of pull-apart cardamom buns, soaked in a concoction riffing on Swedish punsch steeped in rum, apricots and spices. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

The song, a chilling rocker with dense guitar riffs that lurk in the distance, serves as the end title to Lance Oppenheim’s crime thriller. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 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