See Also: Riff(dictionary)
riff(1)(dictionary)
riff(2)(dictionary)
riff(3)(dictionary)
riff(dictionary)
riff-raff(dictionary)
riff-raff(dictionary)

riff(3) (iou)



riff noun4 & verb. E20.
[Abbreviation of RIFFLE noun.]
A. noun.
In popular music, jazz, etc., a short repeated phrase, freq. played over changing chords or harmonies or used as a background to a solo improvisation. E20.
M. Booth Mel's violin scrawking against the drums and the low riff of the electronic piano.
transf. & fig. A repeated phrase, idea, or situation. L20.
b. verb intrans. In popular music, jazz, etc.: play riffs. M20.