alfresco

adjective or adverb

al·​fres·​co al-ˈfre-(ˌ)skō 

: 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.

Synonyms of alfresco

• outdoor

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

The kitchen opens directly to expansive alfresco entertaining areas, including an outdoor kitchen with a dedicated wok station. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 28 July 2026

This past year has seen a number of new restaurants offering alfresco seating. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

Guests can also enjoy the Club Grill Steakhouse, light bites on Caldwell’s panoramic front porch, gourmet burgers at BRGR Kitchen & Bar, and alfresco dining at The LakeHouse. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 July 2026

An outdoor sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge are enticing draws no matter the season, while an full alfresco dining set up and fire pit surrounded by lounge seating provide a comfy place to unwind and take in the surrounding views. — Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 15 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alfresco

• fresco

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