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
Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Dec. 2025
The bar recommends standouts like the Crushed Vice, a Tequila Mai Tai riff with corn and pasilla chile that falls between smoky and citrusy.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2025
Alice Cary, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2025
This Is Spinal Tap stars Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Michael McKean as the core members of Spinal Tap, a dopey metal band with some killer riffs and an unfortunate habit of killing drummers.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
Pfeiffer’s Big Mac riff, a tribute to business partner Louis Mele’s career, swaps slices of standard American for gooey raclette and Gruyere.
—Mary Lebus, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Dec. 2025
The bar recommends standouts like the Crushed Vice, a Tequila Mai Tai riff with corn and pasilla chile that falls between smoky and citrusy.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2025
Verb
Defined for their slight silhouettes, which riff on 1940s and ’50s purses, with top handles and understated hardware, these styles put a fresh spin on the traditional handbag.
—Alice Cary, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2025
This Is Spinal Tap stars Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, and Michael McKean as the core members of Spinal Tap, a dopey metal band with some killer riffs and an unfortunate habit of killing drummers.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Dec. 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 20 Dec. 2025.
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