alfresco

adjective or adverb

al·​fres·​co al-ˈfre-(ˌ)skō How to pronounce alfresco (audio)
: taking place or located in the open air : outdoor, outdoors
an alfresco lunch
an alfresco café
dining alfresco

Did you know?

In addition to describing a type of dining, alfresco can also describe a kind of painting. The word fresco, which comes from the Italian adjective fresco, meaning "fresh," refers to a method of painting on fresh plaster. Although the "outdoors" sense of alfresco is by far the most common in current use, the term is sometimes used to describe painting done in the fresco manner—that is, on fresh plaster.

Examples of alfresco in a Sentence

the restaurant's shaded terrace is highly recommended for those seeking to dine alfresco during the summer months, the theater company puts on a series of alfresco performances
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
After alfresco pre-dinner drinks overlooking the pristine courtyard, the enchanting sounds of Italian opera signaled the call to dinner. Eliseé Browchuk, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2024 The cockpit is equipped with plush wrap-around seating, a fridge, and a sink, meaning guests can enjoy alfresco hangouts at sea. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2024 Local shops and historic hotels line the road, and as the town climbs into the Mule Mountains, narrow stairways — including some that have been transformed into alfresco art galleries — provide European-style foot access. Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 5 Sep. 2024 Take in the views over lunch The draw at Bocca, a popular lunch spot, is its nearly 2,700-square-foot rooftop terrace offering a shady, alfresco view of the colorful square Cours Saleya. Chloé Braithwaite, New York Times, 25 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for alfresco 

Word History

Etymology

Italian

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alfresco was in 1753

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Dictionary Entries Near alfresco

Cite this Entry

“Alfresco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alfresco. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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