Holy Grail

noun

1
: grail
2
often not capitalized : an object or goal that is sought after for its great significance

Examples of Holy Grail in a Sentence

Finding a cure for cancer is the holy grail of medical researchers.
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.
Having made the Premier League his Holy Grail after winning back-to-back titles with Porto in 2012 and 2013, Pereira instead became a footballing globetrotter. Steve Madeley, New York Times, 1 May 2025 The movie is a take-off of the Arthurian legend with the klutzy knights in their pyrrhic search of that ever-illusive Holy Grail. Luaine Lee, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2025 Understanding, predicting, and changing behavior is the holy grail of managers, politicians, and academics alike. Benjamin Voyer, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 The sport’s holy grail of course is the MVP. Michael Salfino, The Athletic, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Holy Grail

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Holy Grail was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Holy Grail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Holy%20Grail. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

Holy Grail

noun
-ˈgrā(ə)l
: the cup or platter which according to legend was used by Christ and was sought after by knights during the Middle Ages

More from Merriam-Webster on Holy Grail

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