alabaster

noun

al·​a·​bas·​ter ˈa-lə-ˌba-stər 

1

: a compact fine-textured usually white and translucent gypsum often carved into vases and ornaments

2

: a hard calcite or aragonite that is translucent and sometimes banded

alabaster adjective

or alabastrine

ˌa-lə-ˈba-strən 

Examples of alabaster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its alabaster beaches are perfect for shelling, sunset strolls, or spotting dolphins frolicking in the surf, while nearby mangroves and estuaries teem with even more wildlife. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2026

Now, a concerted effort by astronomers indicates the asteroid will comfortably miss our alabaster companion too—by 21,200 kilometers. —Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 5 Mar. 2026

Many of the tens of thousands of homes are hollow husks of concrete and alabaster. —Albee Zhang, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026

Haul highlights include a footed pink alabaster casket box, a brass Art Nouveau hand mirror, and a vintage Emanuel Ungaro floral jacket. —Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English alabastre, from Anglo-French albastre, from Latin alabaster vase of alabaster, from Greek alabastros

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for alabaster

• burgomaster
• choirmaster
• quartermaster
• stationmaster
• aster
• blaster
• caster
• castor
• faster
• gaster
• laster
• master

Kids Definition

alabaster

noun

al·​a·​bas·​ter ˈal-ə-ˌbas-tər 

1

: a smooth usually white and nearly transparent gypsum used for carving (as vases)

2

: a hard calcite that is nearly transparent and sometimes has stripes

Geographical Definition

Alabaster

geographical name

Al·​a·​bas·​ter ˈa-lə-ˌba-stər 

city in central Alabama south of Birmingham population 30,352