- a melodic phrase, often constantly repeated, forming an accompaniment or part of an accompaniment for a soloist.
- 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.
- to perform a repeated melodic phrase, forming an accompaniment for a soloist.
- 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.
- 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.
- (in jazz or rock music) a short series of chords
- to play or perform riffs in jazz or rock music
- to speak amusingly or make (amusing comments or remarks)
