alfresco

adjective or adverb

al·​fres·​co al-ˈfre-(ˌ)skō How to pronounce alfresco (audio)
Synonyms of alfresconext
: 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.
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 The open-plan kitchen lines a glass wall of Mumba’s dining room, facing the alfresco pool and grilling terrace beyond. Samantha Falewée, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026 The new 82-footer is not only the largest model in the Italian yard’s popular Fly series, but also the first of the flybridge motor yachts to feature Azimut’s trademark Deck2Deck terrace, resulting in a large alfresco entertaining space at the stern. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 29 Apr. 2026 Go Casual with an Alfresco Table Setting Take your Mother's Day celebration outside with a cool and casual alfresco table setting. Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 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 7 May. 2026.

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