alfresco

adjective or adverb

al·​fres·​co al-ˈfre-(ˌ)skō How to pronounce alfresco (audio)
Synonyms of alfresco
: 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.
Rounding it all off are the park-like grounds, which host an infinity-edge pool and several loggias ideal for alfresco entertaining. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 18 June 2026 Be sure to hit the subterranean SoWa Vintage Market for thrifting finds, and on weekends from spring through fall the outdoor SoWa Open Market sets up shop with local vendors, artisans, food purveyors, farmers, and food and drink trucks selling their wares in a fun, alfresco setting. Shannon McMahon, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026 With enough space to comfortably fit three to four, the memory foam cushioning is comfy enough to host fireside chats under the stars or alfresco coffee rituals enjoyed in the early morning. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 12 June 2026 Arrive early to hike trails through remnant prairie and have a pre-show picnic, then watch an alfresco performance as dusk falls. Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 10 June 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 26 Jun. 2026.

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