# riff

> English word · Noun · IPA /ɹɪf/ · frequency rank #17,229

## Definitions
1. A repeated melody line in a song, usually instrumental but sometimes vocal.
2. A clever or witty remark.
3. A variation on something.
4. A spoof.

## Etymology
Uncertain. Perhaps a clipping of riffle, or an alteration of refrain.

## Easily confused with
- **Rio** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rio)
- **rip** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rip)
- **rig** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rig)
- **rim** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rim)
- **rin** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rin)
- **rit** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rit)
- **risk** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-risk)
- **ring** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-ring)
- **rise** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rise)
- **roof** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-roof)
- **riot** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-riot)
- **Rita** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rita)
- **ripe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-ripe)
- **rift** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rift)
- **rite** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rite)
- **rink** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rink)
- **rigs** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rigs)
- **ritz** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-ritz)
- **Rolf** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-rolf)
- **ruff** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/riff-vs-ruff)

## Common misspellings (4)
`irff`, `rfif`, `rif`, `rriff`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/riff