riff
noun
a melodic phrase, often constantly repeated, forming an accompaniment or part of an accompaniment for a soloist.
is riffing
-
present progressiveof riff (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
On the car ride to the casino, Sarris is riffing on his friendship with Grateful Dead member Mickey Hart, who bought Sarris a quarter horse as a gift.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 24, 2026
For that last part, Lind is riffing on the Hot Girl Summer trend brought to us in July 2019 by Megan Thee Stallion, a rapper who eventually released a song of the same name.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 26, 2022
On her thinking behind one sample recipe in “Shellfish”: The lobster and artichoke stew is riffing on a traditional oyster stew, which is often little more than oysters, milk and/or cream, and butter.
From Seattle Times ● May 17, 2022
It is riffing off research that shows that resilience and happiness, reinforced by the entire community, can be just as contagious as stress and depression.
From New York Times ● Apr. 5, 2017
If I knew more about the specific myths or legends this is riffing on, I might have a richer reaction, as I do with some of later aspects.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 14, 2015
