How to pronounce alabaster
Say it like AL-uh-bas-ter. Alabaster has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alabaster. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AL
- uh
- bas
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alabaster pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- basGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of alabaster
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: AL-uh-bah-stuh.
What does alabaster mean?
- A fine-grained white or lightly-tinted variety of gypsum, used ornamentally.
- A sculpture executed in alabaster.
- An off-white color, like that of alabaster.
- Made of alabaster.“The crown is stored in an alabaster box with an onyx handle and a gold lock.”
- Resembling alabaster; white, pale, smooth, translucent.“An ominous alabaster fog settled in the valley.”
Questions about saying alabaster
How do you pronounce alabaster?
Say AL-uh-bas-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈæləˌbæstɚ/. In British English it is /ˈæləˌbɑːstə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alabaster?
Alabaster has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL). Broken into parts: AL · uh · bas · ter.
Is alabaster pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈæləˌbɑːstə/ (AL-uh-bah-stuh).