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, 17 May 2024
Much of the social-media commentary reacting to Blinken’s rhythm-guitar riff was lighthearted in tone, centering on jokes and memes.
—Sabra Ayres, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for riff 
Noun
Where Slayer peers like Metallica and Megadeth explored ballads and Anthrax recorded rap songs, Slayer never drifted far from the acrid riffs and serial killer monologues of their debut album in their nearly 40-year lifespan.
—Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 17 May 2024
Much of the social-media commentary reacting to Blinken’s rhythm-guitar riff was lighthearted in tone, centering on jokes and memes.
—Sabra Ayres, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 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 20 May. 2024.
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