alabaster

noun

al·​a·​bas·​ter ˈa-lə-ˌba-stər How to pronounce alabaster (audio)
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 How to pronounce alabaster (audio)

Examples of alabaster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The mother and child in sensuous alabaster. — Air Mail, 13 June 2026 The collection includes designs made with Volterra alabaster paired with aged solid brass. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 28 May 2026 The lounge, entered via a courtyard, is anchored by a large alabaster pendant lamp suspended above a hefty marble table topped with glossy green apples. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for alabaster

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of alabaster was in the 14th century

Rhymes for alabaster

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Browse Nearby Words

alabarch
alabaster
Alabaster
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Cite this Entry

“Alabaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alabaster. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

alabaster

noun
al·​a·​bas·​ter ˈal-ə-ˌbas-tər How to pronounce alabaster (audio)
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 How to pronounce Alabaster (audio)
city in central Alabama south of Birmingham population 30,352

More from Merriam-Webster on alabaster

Nglish: Translation of alabaster for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about alabaster

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