-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
This time, his father (Sean Connery) has gone missing while searching for the mythical Holy Grail.
—Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 17 Aug. 2024
Long-term, the vision is to prevent nearly all cancers, a Holy Grail that researcher Dr. Susan Domchek and others have been working toward for decades.
—Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 4 June 2024
But Balmaseda has also touched the industry’s Holy Grail.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 19 June 2024
Mission to ‘Holy Grail of Shipwrecks’ Will Employ Robotics.
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for Holy Grail
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Holy Grail.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Articles Related to Holy Grail
Dictionary Entries Near Holy Grail
Cite this Entry
“Holy Grail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Holy%20Grail. Accessed 19 Sep. 2024.
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
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Holy Grail
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share