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

Included was a pair of Italian alabaster Swiss-cheese bookends. —Nicolette Polek, Harper's Magazine, 2 July 2024

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

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