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

His skin is ivory white, inspired by the alabaster statues carved by Old Masters, with joining wounds that mimic flattering contour-lines. —Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025

For homes that are looking to maintain a super clean and modern quality, this alabaster shade piece with a polished nickel frame is the right chandelier style for an ivory-forward space with high ceilings—one that goes gallery with its inspo. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2025

Some of her favorites to look out for include brass, marble, onyx, and alabaster, just to name a few. —Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025

The sacred land here is peppered with row after row of alabaster white headstones. —Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

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