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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.
The rear alfresco area has a dining table as well as lounge chairs. Kevin Koenig, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2025 But alfresco overnights in remote locales like a jungle or forest do present another potential sleep aid: fresh air. Stephanie Vermillion, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025 Bright, colorful murals decorate the walls of buildings, while the streets brim with vibrant bars, sleek third-wave coffee shops, trendy boutiques, and alfresco dining. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 Squares throughout the city have alfresco seating with plenty of heaters and blankets. Sophie Friedman, AFAR Media, 27 Oct. 2025 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 8 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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