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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The property features an alfresco kitchen and circular cabana bar for meals under the sun, which are best followed by a dip in the infinity pool and jacuzzi. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 7 Dec. 2024 Couples and friends would gravitate to the nearby Ivanhoe Lounge, which has an alfresco top deck and a cozy indoor space with floor-to-ceiling windows, for an aperitif. Jacqui Gifford, Travel + Leisure, 30 Nov. 2024 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 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

Podcast

Dictionary Entries Near alfresco

Cite this Entry

“Alfresco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alfresco. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!