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

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

That rigorous sensitivity extends to the Petra Egg and Globe pendants, the alabaster for which was sourced from Spain on account of its subtle veining. —Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024

Statement lighting is also at play in Eddie Maestri’s music salon, with a chandelier and alabaster sconces by Jiun Ho. —Anne Lee Phillips, Architectural Digest, 28 Oct. 2024

The collection includes funerary stelae, busts or statues, and features a lot of the translucent golden-yellow calcite alabaster that is commonly found in funerary art of ancient southwestern Arabia. —Ella Feldman, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Oct. 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