grail

American  

[greyl] / greɪl /

noun

1. Sometimes Grail any greatly desired and sought-after objective; ultimate ideal or reward.

   The film's protagonist is defined by the struggle for his grail, a championship title he failed to win earlier in life.

2. Often the Grail Holy Grail.

   Weeks pass, and none of the knights return, so King Arthur himself must quest for the Grail.

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Grail British  

/ ɡreɪl /

noun

1. See Holy Grail

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Etymology

Origin of grail

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English graiel, graile, from Anglo-French grahel, grayel, Old French gräel, grel, from Medieval Latin gradālis “platter,” of uncertain origin; perhaps distantly connected to Latin crātēr “mixing bowl” ( crater ( def. ) ) or crātis “wickerwork” ( grate ¹ ( def. ) )

Example Sentences

Your gut biome is the holy grail of wellness, so it’s only natural us humans would want to find it, conquer it and aggressively exploit it.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

But the holy grail is squeezing a game, which can take up to five hours outdoors, into an hour's play for the recreational golfer.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

“Musk wants to own and control more of the AI ecosystem, and, step by step, the holy grail could be combining SpaceX and Tesla.”

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

It’s their holy grail and they’ve never been closer to getting it.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2026

“It’s an overrated game that people, especially New Yorkers, think is the friggin’ holy grail of games.

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds