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

Brazil, for which co-production has become a Holy Grail, can now dangle once more a minority co-production fund to fire up first partnerships with international partners. —John Hopewell, Variety, 7 Dec. 2024

With his two-part adaptation, Villeneuve achieved modern Hollywood’s Holy Grail: a genuine blockbuster that brought in huge box office receipts while earning critical acclaim on the way to becoming a major player in the awards race. —Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 3 Dec. 2024

Finding the perfect chocolate chip cookie has been my Holy Grail for years now. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

Higher productivity growth is the 'Holy Grail' of economic prosperity. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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