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
Synonyms
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 WebJonathan Cohen, SPIN, 15 Apr. 2024
This riff on the Royal Oak was released at Watches & Wonders in 2017 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic model.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff 
Noun
Every song started with a riff and then went through the filter of each guy together.
—Jonathan Cohen, SPIN, 15 Apr. 2024
This riff on the Royal Oak was released at Watches & Wonders in 2017 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic model.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'riff.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near riff
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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