Holy Grail

American  

[hoh-lee greyl] / ˈhoʊ li ˈgreɪl /

Or holy grail

noun

1. Arthurian Legend, Teutonic Legend. Also the Grail a cup or chalice that in medieval legend was associated with unusual powers, especially the regeneration of life and, later, Christian purity, and was much sought after by medieval knights: identified with the cup used at the Last Supper.

   Wagner adapted the story of his opera Parsifal from the medieval legends of the search for the Holy Grail.

2. Usually holy grail grail.

   Brisket is the holy grail of barbecue because it's considered so difficult to cook well.

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Holy Grail British  

noun

1. 1. Also called: Grail.   Sangraal.  (in medieval legend) the bowl used by Jesus at the Last Supper. It was allegedly brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea, where it became the quest of many knights

   2. (in modern spirituality) a symbol of the spiritual wholeness that leads a person to union with the divine

2. informal any desired ambition or goal

   the Holy Grail of infrared astronomy

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Grail, Holy Cultural  

1. A cup or bowl that was the subject of many legends in the Middle Ages. It was often said to have been used by Jesus at The Last Supper. The Grail was supposedly transported to Britain, where it became an object of quest for the knights of the Round Table.

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Discover More

By extension, a “holy grail” is any esteemed object long sought for or attained only after great endeavor.

Etymology

Origin of Holy Grail

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

AI might be the Holy Grail of technology buffs, but it’s a poisoned chalice for the job market.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Described as an “unimaginable Holy Grail piece,” the card Paul sold features beloved Pokémon mascot Pikachu holding a pen and feather sweeper.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

That’s what makes the Rockies the Holy Grail for the math wonks and Ivy League whiz kids who make up baseball’s executive class.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 12, 2025

"The Holy Grail in forensic investigation has always been retrieving prints from fired ammunition casings," said Dr. Dempsey.

From Science Daily • Nov. 2, 2025

His Table, his idea of Chivalry, his Holy Grail, his devotion to Justice: these had been progressive steps in the effort for which he had been bred.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White