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

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

With only five days total, which includes the time to construct and strike the set before and after shooting, Berghoff designed her Globe stage around the concept of free-standing (imitation) alabaster triangles, which would significantly reduce construction time at the location. —Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 8 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