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
Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
What began as a riff on using an older edition of D&D to play superheroes has evolved into its own system full of flexibility and versatility.
—Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Bridal Shop Weddings See All the Guest Arrivals at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Wedding Ceremony—and Their Fashion
June 27, 2025
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, 27 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
This is a riff on the classic French 75, with three changes: Rum instead of gin, lime instead of lemon and honey instead of sugar.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
What began as a riff on using an older edition of D&D to play superheroes has evolved into its own system full of flexibility and versatility.
—Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
The trailer spotlights iconic moments from past encounters as well as the British-Indian cricket community across England, and riffs off some of the themes and scenes from Bend It Like Beckham.
—Katie Whyatt, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Bridal Shop Weddings See All the Guest Arrivals at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Wedding Ceremony—and Their Fashion
June 27, 2025
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, 27 June 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 26 Jul. 2025.
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