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

Extending living areas outdoors can also help your home feel bigger, like centering an alfresco sitting room around a backyard patio. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2026

Sliders open to a shipping-container pool and spa, an arbor for alfresco dining, and a firepit. —The Week Us, TheWeek, 30 Mar. 2026

Here are three Allie Beth Allman & Associates offerings with wonderful spaces for enjoying an alfresco lifestyle. —Dallas Morning News, 29 Mar. 2026

The main deck is home to the salon, dining room, and galley, the bridge houses a lounge and an alfresco dining area aft, and the sundeck is equipped with an open-air lounge and bar. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for alfresco

• fresco

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