alfresco
adjective or adverb
al·fres·co
al-ˈfre-(ˌ)skō 
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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
The upper deck is home to an alfresco dining area as well as an infinity pool at the bow, while the sundeck has been transformed into a private hideaway to lounge in secluded luxury.
—
Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
Mexican and Indian tilework nod to both the city’s history and her own, layered with flourishes of Italian alfresco energy through pattern and upholstery.
—Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2026
The completely alfresco restaurant is adorned with picnic tables spread across two levels and dreamy string lights.
—Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Nayara Gardens Nayara Gardens is a five-star resort with an alfresco spa, several restaurants and bars, and sweeping views of Arenal Volcano.
—Lauren P. Reyes, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alfresco
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Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Feb. 2026
Mexican and Indian tilework nod to both the city’s history and her own, layered with flourishes of Italian alfresco energy through pattern and upholstery.
—Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2026
The completely alfresco restaurant is adorned with picnic tables spread across two levels and dreamy string lights.
—Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Nayara Gardens Nayara Gardens is a five-star resort with an alfresco spa, several restaurants and bars, and sweeping views of Arenal Volcano.
—Lauren P. Reyes, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alfresco
Cite this Entry
“Alfresco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alfresco. Accessed 24 Feb. 2026.
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