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
Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
Paul made no apologies for lifting riffs from classic rock and blues.
—Pat Blashill, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
Chris Almeida, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2025
Kravitz often played to the sides, getting right up to the edge of the stage and riffing with his guitar, with mind-shattering notes blaring in their faces and Kravitz’s crotch at eye level.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
Some of our favorites include Loewe’s riff on the barn jacket, Dôen’s dreamy floral dress, and Vince’s spin on the boat shoe trend.
—Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025
Paul made no apologies for lifting riffs from classic rock and blues.
—Pat Blashill, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2025
Verb
André settles in for a minute, riffing with O’Brien about his own series, a parody of late-night talk shows, which had recently premièred on Adult Swim.
—Chris Almeida, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2025
Kravitz often played to the sides, getting right up to the edge of the stage and riffing with his guitar, with mind-shattering notes blaring in their faces and Kravitz’s crotch at eye level.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
Cite this Entry
“Riff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/riff. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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