1. played a repeated musical phrase or melody, especially in jazz or rock music
Usage: music
2. spoke or performed in an improvised, spontaneous way
Usage: informal
3. elaborated on or developed a theme or idea
Usage: informal

Examples

• The guitarist riffed for several minutes during the solo.
• She riffed on the main melody throughout the song.
• The comedian riffed about current events for his opening act.
• He riffed off her joke and made the audience laugh even harder.
• The band riffed together during their jam session.
• The speaker riffed on the theme of innovation for twenty minutes.