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

Each refillable case secures with a satisfying magnetic closure, and is polished with an alabaster finish. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 6 Oct. 2026

Vintage green and alabaster tons give the historic concept a fresh, elevated look. — Scott Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026

For a more regional flavor, there’s also Beano’s Café, decorated in local materials like Aswan granite, alabaster, and basswood. — Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026

Smith is especially a fan of vintage alabaster pendants but is all for midcentury pendants in the right circumstances. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 30 July 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