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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
In each, though, Withers played a riff on masculinity, and while the films took different approaches to the subject, both cast him as a football star with a complicated relationship to the sport. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 4 Aug. 2026 Across 17 tracks, guitar riffs curdle into sheets of distortion, melodies dissolve into electronic hiss, and grooves are chronically interrupted by fresh rhythmic detours. — Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
For cocktails, the menu is made up of classics, like a gin and tonic, or riffs that turn French 75s into Italian 75s with the addition of limoncello. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 Like their strongest predecessors, all three of the new adaptations riff on the source material. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 27 July 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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