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 WebChristopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2024
Jim Gaffigan The Illinois native has developed a wide base of supporters with his stand-up comedy grounded in jokes about food — like his classic riff on Hot Pockets — and being a dad.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 6 Aug. 2024
Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Aug. 2024
On the July 29 edition of the show, Stewart riffed on Republican reaction to the news that Vice President Kamala Harris has been bumped up to the top of the Democratic ticket.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 6 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff 
Noun
Live, The Chameleons play loud and speedily but with precision, creating a shifting soundscape of sharp guitar riffs, emotionally resonant vocals and washes of rhythms and keyboards.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2024
Jim Gaffigan The Illinois native has developed a wide base of supporters with his stand-up comedy grounded in jokes about food — like his classic riff on Hot Pockets — and being a dad.
—Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 6 Aug. 2024
Verb
After Kamala Harris accepts the Democratic presidential nomination, Greg Gutfeld will be live to riff on it.
—Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Aug. 2024
On the July 29 edition of the show, Stewart riffed on Republican reaction to the news that Vice President Kamala Harris has been bumped up to the top of the Democratic ticket.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 6 Aug. 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 18 Aug. 2024.
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