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
1
A short, repeated musical phrase, especially in rock or jazz.
"The song is built around one unforgettable guitar riff."
2
A creative variation or spin-off on an existing idea, joke, or theme.
"The film is a clever riff on classic detective stories."
verb
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- riffs
- Third person singular
- riffs
- Past tense
- riffed
Fill the gap
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.
Related words
Rhymes for riff
See all rhymes for 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.
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