riff

¹

[ rif ]

noun

1. Jazz. a melodic phrase, often constantly repeated, forming an accompaniment or part of an accompaniment for a soloist.
2. a new variation on or a different manifestation of an existing thing or idea (often followed by on ):

   This is an eco-conscious riff on the study-abroad experience.

verb (used without object)

1. Jazz. to perform a repeated melodic phrase, forming an accompaniment for a soloist.
2. to experiment with a thing or idea, making changes that create a new and novel version of it (often followed by on ):

   My partner likes to let his ideas quietly simmer, but I prefer to riff on mine in conversations where I can bounce my thoughts off other people.

3. to create, write, or perform something, like a comedy routine, using a common or known point of departure and following a previously unexplored tangent from that known point to a fresh or humorous perspective (often followed by on or off ):

   My act riffs off famous love stories and adds modern feminist elements to unmask the absurdity of “happily ever after” in fairy tales.

Riff

²

[ rif ]

noun

, plural Riffs, Riff·i [rif, -ee], (especially collectively) Riff.

1. a member of the Berber people living in Er Rif in northern Morocco.
2. Er Rif.

riff

/ rɪf /

noun

1. (in jazz or rock music) a short series of chords

verb

1. intr to play or perform riffs in jazz or rock music
2. informal.
   to speak amusingly or make (amusing comments or remarks)

Other Words From

• Riffi·an adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of riff¹

First recorded in 1930–35; perhaps alteration and shortening of refrain ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of riff¹

C20: probably altered and shortened from refrain ²

Example Sentences

It’s a guitar riff with a counterpoint bass line.

From Los Angeles Times

The three-hour bull session allowed the Republican nominee to launch fact-light tirades, including a riff about children undergoing sex change operations at school, along with boasts about his own toughness with adversaries such as China.

From Los Angeles Times

As host of “Late Night,” Meyers is known for riffing on political topics, especially in his segment “A Closer Look,” but this special is free of them.

From Los Angeles Times

You could spend days under your headphones unraveling the dense weave of riffs, licks, rhythms and languages in this song.

From Los Angeles Times

“Like I said,” Roberts joked, riffing from one of Ice Cube’s songs, “today was a good day.”

From Los Angeles Times

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