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 Whitcomb 1849–1916, U.S. poet.

2. life of. life of Riley.

Riley

¹

/ ˈraɪlɪ /

noun

1. Bridget ( Louise ). born 1931, English painter, best known for her black-and-white op art paintings of the 1960s

2. 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. 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

All the game’s momentum was suddenly in the hands of USC coach Lincoln Riley and his offense.

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That’s when Riley dialed up a hare-brained trick play that he’d surely regret later.

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Michael Riley, 44, from Liverpool, has been accused by Spanish police of the murders.

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A Spanish court source said that Mr Riley appeared before a judge overnight and was remanded to a jail in Madrid.

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“I think it’s mostly just experience,” Riley said.

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