fresco

[fres-koh]

noun

plural

frescoes, frescos 

1. Also called buon fresco. Also called true fresco. the art or technique of painting on a moist, plaster surface with colors ground up in water or a limewater mixture.

2. a picture or design so painted.

verb (used with object)

frescoed, frescoing 

1. to paint in fresco.

fresco

/ ˈfrɛskəʊ /

noun

1. a very durable method of wall-painting using watercolours on wet plaster or, less properly, dry plaster ( fresco secco ), with a less durable result

2. a painting done in this way

fresco

1. A painting on wet plaster. When the plaster dries, the painting is bonded to the wall. Fresco was a popular method for painting large murals during the Renaissance. The Last Supper, by Leonardo da Vinci, is a fresco, as are the paintings by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel.

Other Word Forms

• frescoer noun
• frescoist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fresco¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Italian: “cool, fresh,” of Germanic origin; fresh

Word History and Origins

Origin of fresco¹

C16: from Italian: fresh plaster, coolness, from fresco (adj) fresh, cool, of Germanic origin

Example Sentences

The Treasury said it was helping pubs, cafes and restaurants by extending business rates relief and cutting the cost of licensing so more establishments could offer al fresco dining.

From BBC

The chancellor will also visit other Cornish businesses and is set to hail plans to boost the region's pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes by allowing more al fresco dining and longer opening hours.

From BBC

The government hopes the changes will also make it easier to open new bars in disused shops, as well as promote outdoor drinking, al fresco dining and live performances.

From BBC

The frescoes are from at least 20 walls of the building, with beautifully painted details of musical instruments, birds, flowers and fruit.

From BBC

St Sophia's is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of Ukraine's most significant cultural and religious monuments, with spectacular 11th Century mosaics and frescoes.

From BBC

Related Words

• brush 
• coat 
• cover 
• daub 
• decorate 
• depict 
• design 
• draw 
• dye 
• portray 
• sketch 
• tint 
• wash