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
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.
Adjective
The Mining Exchange Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO In this new property in downtown Colorado Springs each guestroom showcases artwork commissioned from Emma Kelly, a Colorado Springs native celebrated for her plein air paintings that capture the natural beauty of the region. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 After a while, the women decided to call themselves the New Barbizon, a tribute to the 19th-century French painters who rebelled against the claustrophobic conventions of the French Academy and painted landscapes en plein air. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2024 In the span of art history, however, the window of painting lush landscapes en plein air didn’t stay open for very long. Nick Mafi, Architectural Digest, 27 Sep. 2024 For seven days, plein air painters celebrate the area's tradition of outdoor painting. Madeline Weinfield, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2024 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

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 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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