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

The capsule collection features two new, dreamy color duos: oak & alabaster or drizzle & overcast. —Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

Another piece that highlighted his patchwork technique in a less rigid form was a rich mahogany cabinet inlaid with large alabaster rocks sporadically spread across the doors. —Morgan Meier, Curbed, 14 Dec. 2024

Or Austin Butler giving alabaster psychopath in Dune: Part Two. —Joe Reid, Vulture, 10 Dec. 2024

Blocks of alabaster, limestone, granite and marble lie about in the brown grass. —Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024

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