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
Adjective
Some concerts have been rescheduled to later dates, but their art shows – such as the current plein air paintings from the James Irvine Swinden Family Collection on display – are continuing as scheduled. Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024 Take in the views of the Gore and Sawatch ranges with a drink in hand at Vail’s famous Ice Bar—made of actual snow—which has returned to Eagle’s Nest this season for an Instagram-ready en plein air après set up replete with signature cocktails, music, and food, and four cozy Snow Bungalows. Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2024 Schwartz’s landscapes are done outside, en plein air. Lisa Thorn, The Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2024 Artists will be drawing and painting en plein air and the public is invited to join. Hartford Courant, 19 May 2022 After a day of kitesurfing, paddle boarding, or kayaking, enjoy sunset drinks by the pool before dinner in the Great Room overlooking the blue-blue Caribbean, or en plein air on the beach—food and beverages are tailored to each guest’s preferences. Linda Laban, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2023 The event’s Open Paint contest gives amateur artists a chance to paint alongside the juried artists during the plein air event and to compete for monetary prizes of up to $400 for the director’s choice award. Katie V. Jones, baltimoresun.com, 3 June 2021 Following its first stop in Shanghai, The Golden Ratio Musical Show will take place en plein air at the custom designed 1931 Cinema in Westfield Century City on Santa Monica Boulevard. Camryn Harris, Town & Country, 21 June 2023 Artists can participate in a plein air painting event. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 14 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plein air.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near plein air

Cite this Entry

“Plein air.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plein%20air. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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