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
David Weigel, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
Staged in the bowels of the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, this year’s showcase began in a space featuring three clever riffs on the limitless potential of ceramics.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 30 May 2025
Hannah Brooks-Motl
june 2, Literary Hub, 2 June 2025
One of Clausen’s greatest strengths was that ability to write in many different styles, from symphonic to jazzy to contemporary, sometimes riffing on famous film scores or other pop-cultural references, and do it in as little as a few seconds, just enough to make a comedic point.
—Jon Burlingame, Variety, 30 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for riff
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Noun
But his riff on American competitiveness, and the need for more smart immigrants, became infamous on the nationalist right.
—David Weigel, semafor.com, 6 June 2025
Staged in the bowels of the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum, this year’s showcase began in a space featuring three clever riffs on the limitless potential of ceramics.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 30 May 2025
Verb
There are dozens of poems riffing on Aesop’s fable about the cricket and grasshopper.
—Hannah Brooks-Motl
june 2, Literary Hub, 2 June 2025
One of Clausen’s greatest strengths was that ability to write in many different styles, from symphonic to jazzy to contemporary, sometimes riffing on famous film scores or other pop-cultural references, and do it in as little as a few seconds, just enough to make a comedic point.
—Jon Burlingame, Variety, 30 May 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 11 Jun. 2025.
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