noun Uncommon

riff

rihf

Riff (noun) means a short, repeated musical phrase, especially in rock or jazz. Example: “The song is built around one unforgettable guitar riff.”

noun

A short, repeated musical phrase, especially in rock or jazz.

"The song is built around one unforgettable guitar riff."

A creative variation or spin-off on an existing idea, joke, or theme.

"The film is a clever riff on classic detective stories."

verb

To improvise on a theme, musically or otherwise.

"The comedian riffed on the day's news for ten minutes straight."

How to use riff

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA catchy repeated musical hook, or more broadly, a playful variation or improvisation on an idea.

Common pairings

a guitar riff riff on an idea riff off something

Word forms

riffed past tense, riffs plural, riffs plural, riffs singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The song is built around one unforgettable guitar _____.

Etymology

Origin uncertain; possibly a shortened form of riffle, or an alteration of refrain.

Synonyms

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leaf flip thumb flick riffle Riffian

Related words

picture film page movie click sky finger pitch

Rhymes for riff

tiff biff diff jiff stiff cliff sniff whiff skiff Griff spliff Schiff

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Frequently asked questions

What does “riff” mean?

The word “riff” means a short, repeated musical phrase, especially in rock or jazz. In plain terms, a catchy repeated musical hook, or more broadly, a playful variation or improvisation on an idea.

How do you pronounce “riff”?

“Riff” is pronounced rihf (/ɹɪf/ in IPA).

How do you use “riff” in a sentence?

Here is “riff” used in a sentence: “The song is built around one unforgettable guitar riff.”

What part of speech is “riff”?

Depending on how it is used, “riff” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “riff” a common word?

“Riff” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “riff” have?

“Riff” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short, repeated musical phrase, especially in rock or jazz.

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