plein air

1 of 2

adjective

ˌplān-ˈer How to pronounce plein air (audio)
ple-ˈner
1
: of or relating to painting in outdoor daylight
2
: of or relating to a branch of impressionism that attempts to represent outdoor light and air
pleinairism noun
pleinairist noun

plein air

2 of 2

French adjective

: open-air : outdoor

Examples of plein air in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
In store, local shoppers can also browse the plein air paintings by Central Virginia artist Leah Doise. Brennan Long, Southern Living, 4 Oct. 2025 Artworks on display will range from plein air painting, ceramics, woodworking, mixed-media and stained glass to photography. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Sep. 2025 The Bowers maintains extensive collections in the areas of African, Oceania, Asian, Native American, pre-Columbian art, and California plein air paintings. Amy Bentley, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025 The hotel has two Michelin Keys and on-site activities include en plein air painting classes, Texas wine tastings by the estate sommelier, culinary classes, and boat days on Lake Travis. Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 23 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plein air

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

French, open air

First Known Use

Adjective

1894, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plein air was in 1894

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Cite this Entry

“Plein air.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plein%20air. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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