riley

¹

[ rahy-lee ]

adjective

, Chiefly Northern and North Midland U.S.

1. turbid; roily.
2. angry; vexed.

Riley

²

[ rahy-lee ]

noun

1. James Whit·comb [hwit, -k, uh, m, wit, -], 1849–1916, U.S. poet.
2. life of. life of Riley.

Riley

¹

/ ˈraɪlɪ /

noun

1. RileyBridget (Louise)1931FBritishARTS AND CRAFTS: painter Bridget ( Louise ). born 1931, English painter, best known for her black-and-white op art paintings of the 1960s
2. RileyGina1961FAustralianFILMS AND TV: television actressFILMS AND TV: writer Gina . born 1961, Australian television actress and writer, best known for playing 'Kim' in the comedy series Kath & Kim (2002–07)

Riley

²

/ ˈraɪlɪ /

noun

1. the life of Riley
   a luxurious and carefree existence

Word History and Origins

Origin of riley¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805; rile + -y ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of riley¹

C20: origin unknown

Idioms and Phrases

see life of riley .

Example Sentences

Riley took notice and signed the group shortly after graduation.

From The Daily Beast

It was mentioned before, but the point needs to be made again: Riley is the star of Girl Meets World.

From The Daily Beast

If Riley Cooper happened in the NBA this summer, it would be a horrible event.

From The Daily Beast

The pre-air controversy is mitigated by the fact that Riley and Huey are played by the same actor.

From The Daily Beast

Originally cast only as Riley, King eventually won both parts.

From The Daily Beast

William H. Riley, of Philadelphia, has been for years, one of the leading fashionable gentlemen's boot-makers.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Riley is much of a gentleman, and has acquired considerable means.

From Project Gutenberg

Riley hitched his chair closer, and his face wrinkled up a bit in a smile.

From Project Gutenberg

And then Riley pulled the thing that gave me my second shock within a week, and somehow it hurt me more than the slugs did.

From Project Gutenberg

I started to tell Riley just what I thought of a cop who wouldn't even draw his gun to save his own life.

From Project Gutenberg