riff
riff Lexical Profile
riff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A short, repeated musical phrase, chord progression, or melodic figure, especially in jazz, rock, or popular music, often used as an introduction or background accompaniment.
"The song opens with an iconic electric guitar riff that audiences recognize within seconds."
A clever, spontaneous monologue, variation, or series of improvised remarks on a particular theme or subject.
"The comedian delivered a hilarious ten-minute riff on the absurdities of modern air travel."
• verb
To perform or improvise a short, repeated musical phrase or melodic sequence.
"The saxophonist began to riff effortlessly over the steady beat of the rhythm section."
To speak, write, or elaborate spontaneously and creatively on a particular topic or idea (usually followed by 'on').
"During the podcast, the hosts like to riff on current cultural trends without a script."
• Rhymes for riff
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the 1930s within American jazz slang, likely as an altered shortening of 'refrain' or 'rhythmic figure'.