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

Onstage, “Wicked” developed its own eye-catching version of Oz that was instantly recognizable, and while the movie expands on that, it is all a riff on the foundation the show established.

From New York Times

More than 30 years later, Body Count has not run out of heavy riffing ideas or equally weighty lyrical topics.

From Los Angeles Times

The musician best known for playing the guitar riff in the James Bond theme tune has died.

From BBC

Prior to belting out her song, "Juno," Carpenter riffed with Domingo for a bit and threw him into some fuzzy handcuffs while everyone screamed with delight.

From Salon

The song she co-wrote for “Twisters” is built on a simple, repeating, arpeggiated riff on its two main chords, generating a contemplative sound, evoking a long drive on a flat, open highway.

From Los Angeles Times

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