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
Six residences include private pools, outdoor kitchens, and alfresco dining areas, while four penthouses crown the building, spanning two levels and offering fully private rooftop retreats.
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Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 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
The main house features floor-to-ceiling glass to take in the water views, with multiple balconies and decks for alfresco dining and lounging.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alfresco
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Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 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
The main house features floor-to-ceiling glass to take in the water views, with multiple balconies and decks for alfresco dining and lounging.
—Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for alfresco
Cite this Entry
“Alfresco.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alfresco. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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