noun
riff
rihf
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
Word Forms
riffed past tense, riffs plural, riffs plural, riffs singular
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The song is built around one unforgettable guitar _____.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly a shortened form of riffle, or an alteration of refrain.