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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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

riley Riley

But everything has its drawbacks, the water there hain't like Jonesville water; I don't say it to twit 'em, but it is a solemn truth, the water is riley, they can't dispute it.

From Samantha at the St. Louis Exposition by Holley, Marietta

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 Stoddard, William Osborn

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 Stephens, Ann S. (Ann Sophia)

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 Taylor, Tom

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

From Our American Cousin by Taylor, Tom

“I’ve felt the pressure to win every single year here,” Riley said during Big Ten media days.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

As Mr. Riley, Thomas Sowell and others often write, it is all about assuming personal responsibility.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

B. Riley analyst Mike Crawford summed up the political-military scene in a note to clients on Thursday by referring to “an emerging generational recapitalization of global defense posture and budgets.”

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026

A Liverpool man, Michael Riley, 44, has been extradited to Spain and is waiting to stand trial over the shootings.

From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026

Then it’s Scott, head down, fending off photographers as he tries to get through his own front door, Riley at his side.

From "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins