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
Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Dec. 2025
This cookie is a riff on the extra-large New York classic shrunk down to the size of a chubby chocolate chip cookie, featuring refreshing peppermint extract (when in doubt, be stingy) and a sprinkle of festive crushed candy canes.
—Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Nov. 2025
Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Currently on the menu, the Silken Spy ($16) riffs on James Bond’s favorite cocktail, the Vesper.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
Season 1 of the twisty riff on the classic Andy Griffith series of the same name aired its finale in April.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Dec. 2025
This cookie is a riff on the extra-large New York classic shrunk down to the size of a chubby chocolate chip cookie, featuring refreshing peppermint extract (when in doubt, be stingy) and a sprinkle of festive crushed candy canes.
—Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Nov. 2025
Verb
Backxwash, Only Dust Remains Death is ever present in the work of Montreal rapper and producer Backxwash, from face-paint gesturing to Zambian communal ceremonies to tense riffs summoning extreme metal signifiers.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 2 Dec. 2025
Currently on the menu, the Silken Spy ($16) riffs on James Bond’s favorite cocktail, the Vesper.
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 21 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 8 Dec. 2025.
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