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
Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
David asked to join our call with Peter Callahan and his team, who presented a parade of playful, bite-sized riffs on classic dishes, designed for passing and stations since we’d opted against a seated dinner.
—Rachel Hodin, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Some of the new generation is riffing on that in trying to be as distorted as possible just for the sake of it.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
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
Did any of you think about that before closing your primaries to keep out the riff-raff?
—Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
David asked to join our call with Peter Callahan and his team, who presented a parade of playful, bite-sized riffs on classic dishes, designed for passing and stations since we’d opted against a seated dinner.
—Rachel Hodin, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
The menu riffs on typical Spanish and Mediterranean flavors—croquettes, paella, salted cod, and a few crowd-pleasing dishes like burgers and steak.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Mar. 2026
Some of the new generation is riffing on that in trying to be as distorted as possible just for the sake of it.
—Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 13 Mar. 2026
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 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
