'alabaster' originates from Middle English, specifically from the Old French 'alabastre', which in turn comes from the Latin 'alabaster', and ultimately from the Greek 'alabastros', referring to a type of vase or container.

'alabastros' transformed into the Latin word 'alabaster', and eventually became the modern English word 'alabaster' through Old French.

Initially, it referred to a type of container made from the material, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of the material itself.