alfresco

adjective or adverb

al·​fres·​co al-ˈfre-(ˌ)skō How to pronounce alfresco (audio)
Synonyms of alfresconext
: 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.
Open seven days a week, the Salamanca area has everything from alfresco dining and pristine seafood to 1830s Georgian sandstone buildings, apple farmers, and furniture crafters. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 May 2026 To further fuel your travels, have wine and cheese under a magnificent oak tree at Roblar Winery, enjoy an alfresco breakfast at Bob’s Well Bread in Los Alamos or Ballard, or sip your way through the tasting rooms in Los Olivos. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2026 Whether you're headed for a dip at the beach, an alfresco lunch, or a pool party, the look feels equally chic and practical. Amanda Le, InStyle, 21 May 2026 Boardwalk offers up 11 guest staterooms, one of which is a VIP suite forward that has a secluded alfresco lounge. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 14 May 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Alfresco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alfresco. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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