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.
From there, highlights include a fireside living room with a seated bar and a vintage jukebox, as well as a family room sporting a floor-to-ceiling natural stone fireplace and sliding glass doors opening to an alfresco dining patio. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2026 Carve out some extra time to enjoy the alfresco deep soaking tub or take a mindful stroll among nature at the meditative labyrinth walk. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Mar. 2026 Inside the restaurant, even in this offseason, the small space was full; a few dined alfresco, unbothered by the crisp evening air. Vic O'Sullivan, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026 The grand clubhouse serves as the community’s social heart, offering a state-of-the-art fitness center with a dedicated children’s play zone, game rooms and a bar and grill for both indoor and alfresco dining. Pulte Homes, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 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 16 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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