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
Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Yeah, kudos to Paramount+ for attempting to add a little drama to their bumper, opting for a jazzier riff over a simple three-note intro.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2025
Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
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, 1 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The band first announced the forthcoming Christmas movie — which premieres on Disney+ — via Good Morning America in January, sharing a clip on X that featured a riff that famous Love Actually cue card scene and was then posted by the band and Disney+ on social media.
—Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 10 Nov. 2025
Yeah, kudos to Paramount+ for attempting to add a little drama to their bumper, opting for a jazzier riff over a simple three-note intro.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
Wright built his career by riffing on pop culture with the understanding and appreciation of a real geek, mocking a pretentious art scene with a reference to Resident Evil 2 in Spaced, or using a Body Snatchers–style invasion to explore aging in The World’s End.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 14 Nov. 2025
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, 1 Nov. 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 18 Nov. 2025.
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