riff

¹riff

noun \ˈrif\

Definition of RIFF

1

: an ostinato phrase (as in jazz) typically supporting a solo improvisation; also : a piece based on such a phrase

2

: a rapid energetic often improvised verbal outpouring; especially : one that is part of a comic performance

3

: a succinct usually witty comment

4

: a distinct variation : take <a disturbing…riff on the Cinderella story — Daria Donnelly>

Examples of RIFF

1. He stole that riff from another song.
2. <a mock news program with humorous riffs on current events>

Origin of RIFF

probably by shortening & alteration from refrain

First Known Use: 1935

Related to RIFF

Synonyms: interpretation, take, variation

Related Words: version; adaptation, translation

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Other Music Terms

cacophony, chorister, concerto, counterpoint, madrigal, obbligato, presto, presto, refrain, segue

Rhymes with RIFF

biff, cliff, diff, glyph, if, iff, jiff, miff, quiff, skiff, sniff, spiff, spliff, stiff, syph, tiff, whiff