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
There's an alfresco dinner in Thimphu, where the meal is prepared over an open flame beside a forest stream, or a log cabin lunch at the base of Tiger's Nest, reserved for guests returning from the hike to Bhutan's holiest monastery.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
These new owners are big fans of open spaces by the water, too, with yards like Benetti creating features like the Oasis Deck to facilitate alfresco living.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
In addition to the full bathroom with a shower, there’s also an alfresco soak tub outside overhung with string lights.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
If hosting is on your summer to-do list, this six-person dining set is a must-have for alfresco dinners.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for alfresco
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026
These new owners are big fans of open spaces by the water, too, with yards like Benetti creating features like the Oasis Deck to facilitate alfresco living.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 May 2026
In addition to the full bathroom with a shower, there’s also an alfresco soak tub outside overhung with string lights.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 1 May 2026
If hosting is on your summer to-do list, this six-person dining set is a must-have for alfresco dinners.
—Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 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 15 May. 2026.
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