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
For a competition like the plein air one, people can do their work any time in a three- or four-week period, while the abstract competition will have all competitors working in the same location at the same time for a three-hour time limit. Beth Lipoff, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2024 The painting of Monet’s wife and son enjoying a Provençal summer day is a showcase of the artist’s plein air work at the height of the Impressionist movement. Christian Schneider, National Review, 13 June 2024 The event is held rain or shine and includes live music, plein air painters and raffles. Elaine Rewolinski, Journal Sentinel, 14 May 2024 The tour typically includes historic homes and examples of unique architecture, and there will be musicians and plein air artists along with dining table designs at the various gardens. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for plein air 

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 2 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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