riff
A repeated melody line in a song, usually instrumental but sometimes vocalA repeated melody line in a song, usually instrumental but sometimes vocal.
» That riff is a little stock.
rul · Tatoeba · CC BY 2.0 FRMeaning
5 sensesA repeated melody line in a song, usually instrumental but sometimes vocal.
Listen to one of the greatest guitar riffs of all time!
Riff, Motiv, Ostinato
моти́вmotív
A clever or witty remark.
witzige Bemerkung
A variation on something.
A spoof.
(archaic)The belly; the bowels.
- a jazz ostinato; usually provides a background for a solo improvisation
- a Berber living in northern Morocco
Examples
4 sentencesThat riff is a little stock.
Let's hear this new riff.
You've had enough of this riff-raff? Well, we'll help you get rid of it.
ruУ вас было достаточно этого сброда? Что ж, мы вам поможем от него избавиться. — paul_lingvo
Pulsating rhythms, electronic riffs and the steady beat of rock and roll radiate from this suburban Washington townhome.
Translations
6 languagesBy meaning 1
By meaning 2
Origin
Uncertain. Perhaps a clipping of riffle, or an alteration of refrain. From Middle EnglishUncertain. Perhaps a clipping of riffle, or an alteration of refrain.
From Middle English *rif (found only in midrif), from Old English hrif (“the belly; womb”), from Proto-West Germanic *hrif, from Proto-Germanic *hrefaz (“body; torso; belly”), from Proto-Indo-European *krep- (“body”). Distant doublet of corpus, corpse, and corse.
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