Definition of grail
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
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Recent Examples of grail from the Web
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The Guggenheim is exhibiting his gassy rendering of the holy grail, radiating light while a dove spreads its beneficent wings.
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A device that helps people with diabetes eliminate finger-pricking has been something of a holy grail for scientists.
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FAIRVIEW PARK - For most librarians, visiting the Library of Congress is the holy grail.
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On the roster is a 21-year old future star—a 7-foot-3 big man that appears to be the holy grail of modern NBA centers.
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Garcia’s report was once expected to be explosive and became a holy grail for FIFA critics who thought the votes could be re-run.
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But the holy grail for low-cost airlines is packing passengers into standing chairs similar to bar stools.
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But the holy grail for low cost airlines is packing passengers into standing chairs similar to bar stools.
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Developing a drug that works like ketamine, but without all the baggage, is the holy grail — but scientists haven’t known quite what to target.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'grail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of grail
Middle English greal, graal, from Middle French, bowl, grail, from Medieval Latin gradalis
Learn More about grail
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See words that rhyme with grail Nglish: Translation of grail for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of grail for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about grail
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