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 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Other striking elements include Andrea Salvetti’s Tronchi cabinet, with its wood-grain texture, and the Alain Ellouz chandelier in the dining room, comprising 19 alabaster spheres of various sizes. ELLE Decor, 19 Oct. 2022

With her alabaster skin, rosy cheeks, and some black eyeliner (by makeup artist Gucci Westman), the actor’s wide smile said it all. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 13 Oct. 2022

The front of an amorphous alabaster coat flapped unzipped at the top and bottom. Thomas Adamson, ajc, 4 Oct. 2022

There are touches of luxury living throughout the home, such as a closet specifically to store silver and alabaster sconces throughout. Brianna Griff, Chron, 18 Sep. 2022

His new house, likewise, comprises a series of immersive boxes: a circular, double-height screening room, a bar paneled in Oregon Douglas fir, a bathroom wrapped in faux alabaster. Robert Haskell, WSJ, 9 Sep. 2022

The primary suite is also located on the first floor and encompasses a large bedroom, a walk-in closet and a luxurious bathroom with marble tile with Mother of Pearl inlay and alabaster and brass wall sconces. cleveland, 15 July 2022

The museum also acquired a pair of early 15th-century carvings in alabaster representing a pair of apostles identified as Saint Paul (the older) and Saint John the Evangelist (the younger). Steven Litt, cleveland, 27 June 2022

Look for fixtures made with translucent stone, such as alabaster, which allows light to pass through and creates an organic glow. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Apr. 2022

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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

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