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

The next minute was given over to leaving viewers wondering why puppets rather than Jack White himself were squeezed into the mega-medley to deliver the biggest riff in rock or sportsdom, before BTS took over at the three-minute point. — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 July 2026

Perhaps the best-known of the recent literary riffs on the Odyssey is Circe, written by Madeline Miller. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

Verb

Back in the day, there was an entire show where moments like this would be riffed on and rehashed for the nostalgic public. — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 17 July 2026

Vogue is committed to reporting and riffing on the global fashion conversation—always filtered through the lens of culture and what’s happening in the world at large. — Vogue, 14 July 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