alfresco

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   describing eating, drinking, or other activity done outdoors, especially in good weather.

   Grammar: Comes before the noun: an alfresco lunch. It is not usually used after a linking verb.

   Patterns

   • an alfresco meal
   • alfresco dining
   • an alfresco lunch

   We booked an alfresco table at the little Italian place on the corner.

   The hotel offers alfresco breakfast on the roof terrace.

   Their alfresco wedding reception went ahead despite a few clouds.

2. 2adverb

   outside, in the open air, especially while eating or drinking.

   Grammar: Used after a verb: we ate alfresco. It does not take an object.

   Patterns

   • eat alfresco
   • dine alfresco
   • sit alfresco

   When the sun came out, we decided to eat alfresco.

   They often dine alfresco on warm evenings.

   The café lets you sit alfresco all year, with heaters in winter.

Common combinations

alfresco dining

Alfresco dining is popular here from May to September.

eat alfresco

Let's eat alfresco tonight — the park is lovely.

an alfresco lunch

She packed an alfresco lunch for the hike.

alfresco café

The square is full of alfresco cafés in summer.

sit alfresco

We sat alfresco and watched the boats go by.

Synonyms and how they differ

outdoor

Outdoor is the general everyday word for anything outside; alfresco is narrower and mainly about eating or drinking in the open air.

open-air

Open-air describes events and places without a roof; alfresco usually suggests a relaxed meal outside.

Opposites

Word family

fresco noun

a painting done on fresh, wet plaster; not related in meaning, though the spelling is similar.

Commonly confused: alfresco or fresco?

Practice

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