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

This creamy, dreamy, perky white rendition ranging in color from alabaster to antique lace is mayo-based with a zippy dollop of white horseradish, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and dash of sweetener. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025

Antonin, Agathe, and their crew have created a beautiful meat-free Friday lunch, capped with an edible miniature re-creation of Michelangelo’s Pietà in exquisite alabaster meringue. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 11 June 2025

These alabaster stalks with milder, more delicate notes make elegant and eye-popping sides. —Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2025

For a sharper alabaster, Choi suggests her polish in Absolute White. —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure, 16 May 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