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

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.
Blocks of alabaster, limestone, granite and marble lie about in the brown grass. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 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 Some of her favorites to look out for include brass, marble, onyx, and alabaster, just to name a few. Sarah Lyon, Southern Living, 20 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near alabaster

alabarch

alabaster

Alabaster

Cite this Entry

“Alabaster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alabaster. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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

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