It comes from the Old English adjective rȳfe and first appeared in written form in the 12th century. Its oldest meaning, still in use today, is synonymous with widespread and prevalent; it's more …

RIFE definition: 1. If something unpleasant is rife, it is very common or happens a lot: 2. full of something…. Learn more.

3 days ago · Record-breaking comedian Matt Rife announced an extension of his highly successful Stay Golden World Tour, with a run of 40+ new dates playing off next year across …

Rife definition: of common or frequent occurrence; prevalent; in widespread existence, activity, or use.. See examples of RIFE used in a sentence.

1. of common or frequent occurrence; prevalent; widespread: Crime is rife in the city. 2. abundant, plentiful, or numerous. 3. abounding (usu. fol. by with).

rife (with something) full of something bad or unpleasant. Los Angeles is rife with gossip about the stars' private lives. Definition of rife adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. …

There are 24 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word rife, 15 of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

in widespread existence, activity, or use: Crime is rife in the slum areas of our cities. current in speech or report: Rumors are rife that the government is in financial difficulty.

Oct 16, 2025 · rife (comparative rifer, superlative rifest) Smallpox was rife after the siege had been lifted. Before the plague of London, inflammations of the lungs were rife and mortal.

Synonyms for RIFE: filled, crowded, bursting, fraught, abundant, awash, packed, teeming; Antonyms of RIFE: devoid, empty, barren, vacant, void, blank, stark, bare