alfresco

adjective or adverb

al·​fres·​co al-ˈfre-(ˌ)skō How to pronounce alfresco (audio)
: 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

Recent Examples on the Web The owner also decided to add a balcony to the main deck and an outdoor bar to every level because alfresco cocktails are always welcome after the nine-to-five slog. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024 There are also multiple terraces, an alfresco kitchen and dining area, plus a sunken lounge with a fire pit. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024 The grounds around the house sport an alfresco kitchen, covered terracotta patios, an in-ground swimming pool, a cozy firepit, and a bocce court. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2024 Be sure to experience one of the best hydrotherapy circuits in the region, and book a table at the chic, alfresco Lobster House for a memorable romantic dinner. Meagan Drillinger, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2024 Outside, the grounds read like any shore resort and include a multi-tiered deck and an alfresco kitchen. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 12 Jan. 2024 Couples can partake in a picnic atop one of the ancient terraces or an alfresco Mallorcan feast with a view of the Mediterranean. Michelle Gross, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2023 Couples can relax poolside in a day bed, book a spa treatment, or enjoy the alfresco culinary experiences at the property's restaurants. Judy Koutsky, Travel + Leisure, 1 Dec. 2023 Other itineraries will include alfresco lunches at a pearl farm, deep dives into World War II history, and song and dance performances hosted by local youth. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alfresco.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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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Dictionary Entries Near alfresco

Cite this Entry

“Alfresco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alfresco. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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