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 of riff

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

But, per his conceptual preference, Kotlyarenko’s riff on familiar territory is texturally very now, and the setpieces are often based around tech that didn’t exist 20 years ago. — Vadim Rizov, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026

If there was any rust on the outfit from nine years of inactivity, it was knocked off the instant the song’s trademark chiming riff gave way to the thwack of Lynch’s snare drum, bringing the band to life. — Adam Gold, Rolling Stone, 18 Sep. 2026

Verb

This went on just a little too long before Swift herself appeared in a pantsuit to riff on her penchant for Easter eggs and introduce Olivia Benson (cat) to real-life Olivia Benson (Hargitay). — Vulture Staff, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026

The painting, which the Hedreens have owned for more than three decades, riffs on Picasso’s 1928 Painter and Model at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably by shortening & alteration from refrain

Verb (2)

short for riffle

First Known Use

Noun

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1935, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1942, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for riff

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