riff Definition
☆ riff (rif)
noun
- a constantly repeated musical phrase used esp. as background for a soloist or as the basic theme of a final chorus: a term that originated in jazz music
- Informal a short, incisive comment, passage, or scene, often one of several functioning as variations on a theme, in a speech, novel, film, etc.
Etymology: prob. altered < refrain
intransitive verb
- to play a riff: a term that originated in jazz music
- Informal to make use of a riff or riffs
Riff¹ Definition
Riff (rif)
noun pl. Riffs or Riff′i-ē
a member of a Berber people living in the Rif and nearby regions
Riff¹ Related Forms
Riff′·ian (rif′ē ən) adjective, noun
Riff² Definition
Riff (rif)
riff Usage Examples
Object
guitar: Anyroad, lots of lewd and rude lyrics are featured across this album and lots of riffing guitars, of course.
Converse of object
- chug: The song begins with the fade-in of a chugging guitar riff.
- thrash: Thrashed guitar riffs are interspersed with some great anguished axe-man breaks, all underpinned with fuzzy bass sounds and a heavy rhythm.
- crunch: This indeed proved to be the midpoint highlight of the set with crunching riffs swamped with layers of keyboards.
- crush: No frills, no bullshit, just passion, high energy, and ball crushing riffs.
- grind: A sudden, grinding needle-sharp metal riff ushers the song in.
- descend: Her first, " Nothing There " , had a lovely descending riff on the guitar coupled with a very strong vocal.
Adjective modifier
- catchy: I've used a light, catchy chord riff on organ.
- staccato: They admit their staccato riffs are drawn from XTC.
- choppy: It's raw and rocky, it gets straight to the point with choppy guitar riffs and a solo which is pure Weller.
- distorted: A powerful distorted riff kicks in, then a synth and a commanding vocal line.
- jazzy: A neat little jazzy riff caught my attention in this well delivered piece.
- funky: The sure and steady, funky riff and fate beat casts it's spell and you succumb.
Modifies a noun
raff: Too keep us riff raff out of his hair of course.
Noun used with modifier
- guitar: The single has a great guitar riff which goes all the way through the song.
- synth: In particular, one track, On The Run; a monster synth riff with aircraft noises and wicked filter sweeps.
- bluesy: It's more kind of pop with a catchy simple tune and the odd bluesy riff.
- bass: Sadly, the mix on both is pretty lightweight, crying out for a Manchester sized bass riff to hang its coat on.
- piano: A simple song with a great piano riff, the whole band sounding like we were going to war.
- killer: I hope you have a killer riff in mind coz da words ain't doin ' it for me.
Browse dictionary entries near riff
- ‹ rife
- ‹ rifampin
- ‹ rif
- ‹ Riesling
- ‹ Rienzi
- ‹ Riemannian geometry
- ‹ riel
- ‹ ridotto
- ‹ ridley
- ‹ riding school
- riffle ›
- riffraff ›
- rifle ›
- rifle range ›
- rifleman ›
- riflery ›
- rifling ›
- rift ›
- Rift Valley ›
- rig ›

