grail

noun

1
capitalized : the cup or platter used according to medieval legend by Christ at the Last Supper and thereafter the object of knightly quests
2
: the object of an extended or difficult quest

Examples of grail 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.
That grail of Levant’s reads lonely and self-devouring: the mania of the gambler repurposed for public service. Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2025 For decades, Hasumi’s writings have held a grail-like status among Western filmmakers and cinephiles but remained inaccessible in translation. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025 Known for their impressive collection of more than 5,000 wines, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse in Dallas is a holy grail destination for meat and red wine lovers, but seafood and white wine lovers will also be happy here. Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2025 Panini’s La Liga licence isn’t going anywhere, unlike the Premier League’s rights transfer to Topps, and this iconic design is a grail for any ultra modern collector. Andrew MacKie, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for grail

Word History

Etymology

Middle English greal, graal, from Middle French, bowl, grail, from Medieval Latin gradalis

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of grail was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grail. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on grail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!