riff

1 of 3

noun

ˈrif 

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

riff

2 of 3

verb (1)

riffed; riffing; riffs

intransitive verb

: to perform, deliver, or make use of a riff

riff

3 of 3

verb (2)

riffed; riffing; riffs

: riffle, skim

riff pages

Synonyms

Noun

• interpretation
• variation
• version

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

Noun

Want to find that Beatles-style guitar riff buried somewhere in your own sample library? —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

The latest limited edition is a riff on the RM 30-01 that showcases a green and white livery inspired by the Le Mans Classic corporate colors. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 June 2025

Verb

Red, white, and blue silk sashes sliced through crowds, too, customized to riff on the Grammy Award-winning (Best Country Album, anyone?) record cover. —Amber Elliott, Vogue, 30 June 2025

Victor has a background in improv comedy, and came to fame, in part, through video routines that went viral on social media: here is Victor muddling through an awkward blind date, or riffing on the contents of a hardware store. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably by shortening & alteration from refrain

Verb (2)

short for riffle

First Known Use

Noun

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1948, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1952, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for riff

• biff
• cliff
• diff
• glyph
• griff
• if
• schiff
• skiff
• sniff
• stiff
• tiff
• whiff