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

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

Natural light pours into the bathrooms, and ground-floor accommodations have alfresco showers (playfully dubbed secret gardens). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 May 2026

Ideal for noshes and cocktails with the neighbors or an après-swim meal with the kids, Gatherpoint’s Forge Bar and Grill will offer indoor and alfresco dining. —Pulte Homes, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026

Wayfair is packed with outdoor furniture sets that include dining tables for alfresco dinners, sofas for lounging, and comfy chairs for reading. —Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alfresco

• fresco

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