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  • raff
    raff
    noun
    riffraff; rabble.
  • Raff
    Raff
    noun
    Joseph Joachim, 1822–82, Swiss composer.

raff

1 American  
[raf] / ræf /

noun

  1. riffraff; rabble.


Raff 2 American  
[rahf] / rɑf /

noun

  1. Joseph Joachim, 1822–82, Swiss composer.


raff British  
/ ræf /

noun

  1. rubbish; refuse

  2. rabble or riffraff

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of raff

1665–75; extracted from riffraff ( def. )

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.

See Examples For:

At the time the rule of the library's stern founder prevailed, barring all "riff raff and baggage books", particularly contemporary plays.

From The Guardian Aug. 1, 2012

It's not always easy being a Queen, and Damon Albarn and pals' ghostly The Good, the Bad and the Queen laments the "blessed routine" that is the scourge of both riff raff and royalty.

From The Guardian Jun. 7, 2012

This is an issue I take personally because I’m probably one of the riff raff who wouldn’t have made the cut in the pre-Internet media ecosystem.

From Forbes Jul. 18, 2011

To II Pagliacci were left the Lombardy folk-dances of simple peasants and villagers; A Light from St. Agnes offered a bunnyhug done by small town riff raff.

From Time Magazine Archive

It seemed hours but it was probably only one until Timothy said, “Do not be alarm now, young bahss. I am goin’ to jump into d’wattah an* kick dis raff to d’shore.

From "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor

He can be seen now in “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” on Disney+, and next year in “Black Rabbit,” a Netflix miniseries Riff Raff produced.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 7, 2025

When asked about the difficulties of operating without a music director, everyone interviewed for this story remarked on the collaborative nature of the Symphony’s artistic staff, led by Raff Wilson, vice president of artistic planning.

From Seattle Times Sep. 20, 2023

Mr Pollono, who has written the screenplay for upcoming comedy crime movie Riff Raff, which will star actors Jennifer Coolidge and Brian Cox, adds that writers are at risk of having their voices "robbed".

From BBC Jul. 27, 2023

Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff harmonizes with Rose on the chorus, on which the pair dispense some bittersweet wisdom: “You know there’s no place safe to run/Angels surround everyone.”

From New York Times Mar. 17, 2023

"Dunsen, Polliver, Raff the Sweet- ling," she said, calling a name every time she pushed the bone needle through the undyed wool.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin

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