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
Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Released in 2023 with Cooper himself fronting the campaign, the aptly named Tambour Steel is a sporty riff on the 2002 original.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025
Vogue, 23 Oct. 2025
In our household, Costco was a constant subject of conversation, debate, riffs.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
Independent horror filmmaker Larry Fessenden began his directing career with No Telling, a low-budget, rural riff on Frankenstein featuring heavy relationship drama and animal experimentation.
—Rory Doherty, Vulture, 20 Oct. 2025
Released in 2023 with Cooper himself fronting the campaign, the aptly named Tambour Steel is a sporty riff on the 2002 original.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
Then and Now 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, 23 Oct. 2025
In our household, Costco was a constant subject of conversation, debate, riffs.
—Hannah Jocelyn, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 2025.
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