riff
6 synonyms for riff, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short, repeated musical phrase, especially in rock or jazz.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A short, repeated musical phrase, especially in rock or jazz.
“The song is built around one unforgettable guitar riff.”
How to use riff
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a guitar riff
riff on an idea
riff off something
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly a shortened form of riffle, or an alteration of refrain.
Full origin of riff →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.
