riff

noun

UK/rɪf/
US/rɪf/

Definitions of riff noun

music

  1. Countable

    A repeated musical phrase or melodic figure, often used in jazz or popular music as a foundation or accompaniment.

    • The song features several catchy guitar riffs.

    • The saxophone riff carries through the entire track.

    • He wrote an unforgettable piano riff for the song.

verb

UK/rɪf/
US/rɪf/

Definitions of riff verb

music

  1. Intransitive

    To play a short, repeated phrase or melodic figure, often improvised within a musical piece.

    • The guitarist riffed during the song's solo section.

    • They took turns riffing on different musical phrases during the jam session.

    • The bassist riffed on a low-end groove in the song.

speech

  1. Intransitive

    To speak at length on a particular subject, often in an engaging, humorous, or improvisational manner.

    • The comedian riffed on the absurdities of modern life.

    • In the interview, he riffed about his perspective on filmmaking.

    • The professor riffed at length on the topic.