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
That album, like the Dio Sabbath classics before it, was fine-tuned for metalhead appreciation, thick with crushing riffs and dramatic vocals. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026 The music also acknowledges that this is a riff on Vertigo, in which the initial person was a persona anyway. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
Co-produced by John Congleton, the record swaps synth-pop for gutter-punk, with distorted guitars and clattering surf riffs as its weapons of choice. — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026 In 1969, Bruce McLaren riffed on his young racing team’s success in the Can-Am motorsport series to design and develop a road car called the M6 GT. — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 24 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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