Yahoo Web Search

Search results

1. Dictionary

   Rif·fle

   /ˈrif(ə)l/

   

   verb

   • 1. turn over something, especially the pages of a book, quickly and casually: "he riffled through the pages"
   • ▪ search quickly through (something), especially so as to cause disorder: "she riffled through her leather handbag"
   • ▪ disturb the surface of; ruffle: "there was a slight breeze that riffled her hair"
   • ▪ shuffle (playing cards) by flicking up and releasing the corners or sides of two piles of cards so that they intermingle and may be slid together to form a single pile.

   noun

   • 1. a quick or casual leaf or search through something: "just a riffle through the books"
   • ▪ the rustle of paper being leafed through.
   • ▪ a shuffle performed by riffling playing cards.
   • 2. a rocky or shallow part of a stream or river with rough water: North American "the river's sweeping riffles and deep pools provide a superb habitat for salmon"
   • ▪ a patch of waves or ripples.

   Word Origin early 18th century (used of the harmful effect of a storm): perhaps partly a variant of the verb rifle2, and partly a variant of the verb ruffle, influenced by ripple.

   Scrabble Points: 12

   • R

     1

   • I

     1

   • F

     4

   • F

     4

   • L

     1

   • E

     1

   Powered by Oxford Languages

   More Definitions, Word Origin & ScrabbleShow less