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

Archaeologists uncovered two alabaster kohl containers with traces of ancient eye makeup and a third kohl container crafted from black obsidian. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

The mother and child in sensuous alabaster. — Air Mail, 13 June 2026

Some of her favorites to look out for include brass, marble, onyx, and alabaster, just to name a few. — Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 12 June 2026

Slate flooring stands out amid all the alabaster paint (Sherwin-Williams SW 7008). — Gary Thompson, Midwest Living, 5 June 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