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 WebKory Grow, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2024
Across two CDs stuffed with searing solos, massive riffs and crack shot drumming, Hood and his bandmates Mike Cooley, Earl Hicks, Rob Malone, and Brad Morgan unpacked the prickly realities of Southern living in all its fascinating and terrible contradictions.
—Corbin Reiff, SPIN, 25 June 2024
Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 2 July 2024
Stewart was riffing on some American liberals’ fantasy when Trump was last in power.
—Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 2 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff 
Noun
In just three minutes, Morello connects references to New Testament apostles and the Clash to Black History Month and a coming earthquake — all over a funky, heavy riff.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2024
Across two CDs stuffed with searing solos, massive riffs and crack shot drumming, Hood and his bandmates Mike Cooley, Earl Hicks, Rob Malone, and Brad Morgan unpacked the prickly realities of Southern living in all its fascinating and terrible contradictions.
—Corbin Reiff, SPIN, 25 June 2024
Verb
While presenting Album of the Year, which eventually went to Killer Mike for his acclaimed Michael, Glover riffed about his awards tally compared to Will Smith and Sam Smith.
—Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 2 July 2024
Stewart was riffing on some American liberals’ fantasy when Trump was last in power.
—Rachel Pannett, Washington Post, 2 July 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 15 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share