riff

1 of 3

noun

ˈrif How to pronounce riff (audio)
Synonyms of riff
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

riff

2 of 3

verb (1)

riffed; riffing; riffs

intransitive verb

: to perform, deliver, or make use of a riff

riff

3 of 3

verb (2)

riffed; riffing; riffs
: riffle, skim
riff pages

Synonyms of riff

Relevance

Noun

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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
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
Every single song was a pile driver to the head, feeding that primal pleasure of a meaty guitar riff over a heavy drum beat and Johnson’s gritty falsetto. — Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Behind the heavy riffs and battered drums is a think piece about the anxiety that can come with success and the crippling doubt of imposter syndrome. — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
At the event, before Rothenberg triumphantly clarinet-riffed with recordings of sperm whales and humpbacks, Joe Valle, of Nonhuman Teachers, interviewed Nollman, with career-retrospective audiovisual enhancement. — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Buddy Is the Latest Effort to Find the Scary Side of Nostalgia Adult Swim stalwart Casper Kelly riffs on Barney in his new horror movie that just isn’t as good as his short Too Many Cooks. — Britina Cheng, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for riff

Word History

Etymology

Noun

probably by shortening & alteration from refrain

Verb (2)

short for riffle

First Known Use

Noun

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

1935, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of riff was in 1933

Rhymes for riff

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Browse Nearby Words

rife with
riff
Riffian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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