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
Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
But smart casting, witty writing, lively directing, and artful character development have also yielded the rare superhero riff that, as Kovak puts it, finds the human underneath.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Melinda Joe, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
On set, the three of us got to riff, toss around our own style of humor, and take an already hilarious script to another level.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 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
The whole concept started with Andy’s co-owner Chris Chisholm, who suggested that Carroll riff on opera’s Three Tenors.
—Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
But smart casting, witty writing, lively directing, and artful character development have also yielded the rare superhero riff that, as Kovak puts it, finds the human underneath.
—Judy Berman, Time, 30 Jan. 2026
Verb
Firenze Through Seb’s Eyes riffs on the pisco sour, blending Peruvian Mosto Verde pisco with a syrup made from traditional Tuscan saltless bread and a slick of extra virgin olive oil—a drink that references both Gucci’s birthplace and Viguera’s Latin American roots.
—Melinda Joe, Travel + Leisure, 7 Feb. 2026
On set, the three of us got to riff, toss around our own style of humor, and take an already hilarious script to another level.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Feb. 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 8 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
