plein air

1 of 2

adjective

ˌplān-ˈer How to pronounce plein air (audio)
ple-ˈner
1
: of or relating to painting in outdoor daylight
2
: of or relating to a branch of impressionism that attempts to represent outdoor light and air
pleinairism noun
pleinairist noun

plein air

2 of 2

French adjective

: open-air : outdoor

Examples of plein air in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
In dialogue with this climate crisis, Artificial Green by Nature Green 4.0 reimagines the act of plein air painting. Naima Morelli, Artforum, 1 May 2025 Elsewhere, Abercrombie’s pastorals are almost like burlesques of plein air painting. Jeremy Lybarger, ARTnews.com, 26 Mar. 2025 The event will feature live rockabilly and early rock & roll music, delicious light bites, live plein air painters, an auction and more. Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025 Sims photographs the three stars en plein air in the countryside of Tavertet, in the area of Collsacabra in Catalonia. Julia Teti, WWD, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for plein air

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, open air

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plein air was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Plein air.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plein%20air. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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