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• riley
  riley

  adjective

  turbid; roily.
• Riley
  Riley

  noun

  James Whitcomb 1849–1916, U.S. poet.

riley

¹ American  

[rahy-lee] / ˈraɪ li /

adjective

Chiefly Northern and North Midland U.S.

1. turbid; roily.

2. angry; vexed.

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Riley ² American  

[rahy-lee] / ˈraɪ li /

noun

1. James Whitcomb 1849–1916, U.S. poet.

2. life of. life of Riley.

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Riley ¹ British  

/ 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)

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Riley ² British  

/ ˈraɪlɪ /

noun

1. a luxurious and carefree existence

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riley Idioms  

1. see life of riley.

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Etymology

Origin of riley

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

riley Riley

"Well, it looked kind of riley if you got under the soap that was floatin' on top," Johnnie admitted.

From The Rich Little Poor Boy by Eleanor Gates

Oh! don't you get riley, you and I ran against each other when I came in, but we'll be friends yet.

From Our American Cousin by Tom Taylor

She's always riley when she doesn't get plenty to drink," said Pine, "but she hasn't kicked once in all this.

From Two Arrows A Story of Red and White by William Osborn Stoddard

I was trying to swallow a mouthful of the bitter toast and riley coffee, and couldn't in my heart contradict her.

From Phemie Frost's Experiences by Ann S. (Ann Sophia) Stephens

I'm a real hoss, I am, and I get kinder riley with those critters.

From Our American Cousin by Tom Taylor

The original cast included Lea Michele, Amber Riley, the late Cory Monteith, Jane Lynch and Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester, the optimistic teacher leading the fictional McKinley High's glee club.

From BBC ● Oct. 21, 2026

The top official on human rights in the US State Department, Riley Barnes, on Sunday visited the same town where the mayor was beaten, which is largely Christian, on a trip coordinated with the military.

From Barron's ● Oct. 19, 2026

Momentum-chasing strategies that bid up the fastest-rising stocks and sell when prices fall likely contributed to the accelerating selloff Wednesday afternoon, said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth Management.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026

Lincoln Riley, what part of “Defense wins championships!” do you not understand?

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026

It took me a while to get to sleep and when I did, Mom and Dad and Miss Riley and Mr. Caton and Calvin Suggs alternately intruded into my dreams.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

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