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

• outside
• out
• outdoors

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

Dining areas both in the home and the alfresco patio encourage visitors to enjoy the beauty of Northern Italy’s picturesque landscapes and rich tradition of communal dining. — Madeline Weinfield, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026

This one is designed around a citrus tree, but is used for alfresco entertaining rather than farming. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 Oct. 2026

There's a fitness studio (located next to the Water Deck) replete with free weights, benches, a Peloton bike, and Matrix cardio equipment, or opt for yoga on the adjacent alfresco yoga deck. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Diners spilled out of restaurants with alfresco seating, taking wine glasses into the street. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 25 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alfresco

• fresco

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