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
Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
The winner will be announced soon, but in the meantime, check out NPR Music's favorite entries, including riff-rock group Pump Action, soul singer Les Greene and more.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
That’s why The Vault is proud to partner with them to offer an extraordinary modern design that riffs on what made Jules Sauer so distinctive.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
One of his most popular early clips featured a Holocaust-denial riff about how many cookies could fit in an oven.
—Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
The winner will be announced soon, but in the meantime, check out NPR Music's favorite entries, including riff-rock group Pump Action, soul singer Les Greene and more.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
Something of a Hurley whisperer, who is there to translate what the coach wants – minus the additional adjectives – for his teammates, usually sitting and smirking while Hurley riffs on the grievance of the day.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
That’s why The Vault is proud to partner with them to offer an extraordinary modern design that riffs on what made Jules Sauer so distinctive.
—Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for riff
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
