riff Definition
- 1a short repeated phrase in popular music and jazz, typically used as an introduction or refrain in a song
- 2a clever or witty remark
Using riff: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "riff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The guitar riff in that song is so catchy.
Example
He came up with a great riff for his comedy routine.
Example
The saxophonist played a beautiful riff during the solo.
riff Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with riff
Example
The movie's plot riffs off of classic fairy tales but adds a modern twist.
to talk or write about a topic in a free and improvisational manner, often adding personal opinions or interpretations
Example
In his latest book, the author riffs on the themes of love and loss in a series of interconnected stories.
riff-raff
people regarded as disreputable or undesirable
Example
The exclusive club had a strict dress code to keep out the riff-raff.
Origins of riff
origin unknown
Summary: riff in Brief
A 'riff' [rɪf] is a short repeated phrase in popular music and jazz, often used as an introduction or refrain in a song. It can also refer to a clever or witty remark. Examples include 'The guitar riff in that song is so catchy' and 'He came up with a great riff for his comedy routine.' 'Riff' extends into phrases like 'riff off,' denoting using an existing idea as a starting point to create something new, and 'riff on,' meaning to talk or write about a topic in a free and improvisational manner.
