grail

[ greyl ]

noun

1. Sometimes Grail. any greatly desired and sought-after objective; ultimate ideal or reward:

   The film's protagonist is defined by the struggle for his grail, a championship title he failed to win earlier in life.

2. Often the Grail. Holy Grail:

   Weeks pass, and none of the knights return, so King Arthur himself must quest for the Grail.

Grail

/ ɡreɪl /

noun

1. See Holy Grail

Word History and Origins

Origin of grail¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English graiel, graile, from Anglo-French grahel, grayel, Old French gräel, grel, from Medieval Latin gradālis “platter,” of uncertain origin; perhaps distantly connected to Latin crātēr “mixing bowl” ( crater ( def ) ) or crātis “wickerwork” ( grate ¹( def ) )

Example Sentences

Nicknamed "the grand complication", it is believed to be the most valuable watch in the world, and represents something of a holy grail for horologists.

From BBC

While the San José is often described as the holy grail of shipwrecks, it is – according to the United Nations - just one of around three million sunken vessels on our ocean floors.

From BBC

Has a UC Berkeley chemistry lab discovered the holy grail of plastic recycling?

From Los Angeles Times

Discovering a signature sound is the holy grail of pop music.

From BBC

New Culture's involves using precision fermentation to grow casein, a dairy protein found in milk that Radman said is "the holy grail" for making cheese stretch, ooze, and melt when heated.

From Salon