riff

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Since then, the 79-year-old Republican has rarely missed an opportunity to discuss the project, frequently meandering in mid-speech on other topics to riff about the architectural details of the proposed facility.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

A cartoon maritime odyssey, powered by what Ricky Wilson called "the stupidest riff you ever heard", it became one of the first independent hits on the American new wave scene, selling more than 20,000 copies.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Kurt Cobain strummed the grunge anthem’s iconic four-chord opening riff on a 1969 Fender Mustang, Lake Placid Blue with a signature racing stripe.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Overall, the song sounds like a recession-pop riff on Eddie Murphy’s bit about trying his own Richard Pryor-style stand-up as a child, when his only life experience was going to the bathroom.

From Salon • Feb. 16, 2026

“Zach, do you like pears? Would you eat a pear?” he asks, just a beat after his opening riff.

From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove