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 Web
Saveur Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2025
The decision to limit the groovy Thundercat riff that opens this to a skit is a crazy flex, and the lyrics that follow only up the chutzpah.
—Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025
Sara Belcher, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025
At the Otter, Stupak continues to indulge his impulse to riff and reinterpret and perform tricks of the tongue.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for riff 
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Noun
Get the recipe > Ohio Nachos Swap out tortilla chips for potato chips in this deliriously good riff on nachos that’s straight out of Ohio.
—Saveur Editors, Saveur, 5 Feb. 2025
The decision to limit the groovy Thundercat riff that opens this to a skit is a crazy flex, and the lyrics that follow only up the chutzpah.
—Stephen Kearse, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025
Verb
When an artist expresses interest in covering their song for The Sims, Gratz will listen through the song and then create a draft of Simlish lyrics for the artist to riff off of.
—Sara Belcher, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025
At the Otter, Stupak continues to indulge his impulse to riff and reinterpret and perform tricks of the tongue.
—Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 19 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for riff
Dictionary Entries Near riff
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
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