Holy Grail

noun

1

: grail

2

often holy grail : 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

That’s why the prospect of a technological breakthrough with fusion has been called energy’s Holy Grail. —Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Oct. 2025

Officials will meet at Holy Grail Tavern & Grille at The Banks at 11 a.m. to discuss safety measures and fan amenities for the game at Paycor Stadium, slated for 1 p.m. on Sept. 14. —Matthew Cupelli, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Sep. 2025

High-temperature superconductors have long been viewed as the ‘Holy Grail’ of energy technology, with potential applications in lossless power transmission, magnetic levitation, and advanced computing. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025

Monetary policy’s Holy Grail is money, not interest rates. —Nino Paoli, Fortune, 21 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for Holy Grail

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• fingernail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• ponytail
• swallowtail
• wensleydale

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