grail

[greyl] / greɪl /

NOUN

sacred vessel

Synonyms

STRONG

chalice cup

WEAK

holy dish

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for grail?

A grail is a type of cup, chalice, goblet, or vessel. But the word is almost always used to mean the Holy Grail or a holy grail. When capitalized, Holy Grail (or just Grail) refers to the cup that according to medieval legend was used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Due to legends about the cup’s supposed powers, it became the subject of quests by knights who hoped to locate it, including the legendary King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. (A somewhat similar legend is that of El Dorado, the legendary city of gold and treasure sought by Spanish colonizers.) This sense of Holy Grail and Grail eventually came to be used (often in lowercase) in a metaphorical way to refer to any greatly desired and sought-after objective, reward, item, or ultimate ideal. For example, a particularly rare book may be called the holy grail of rare book collecting, or winning the World Cup may be called the holy grail of soccer (football). Such things are often described as highly sought-after. A person’s ultimate desire may be called their grail. A similar term is heart’s desire. Similar but less idiomatic terms are ultimate prize and ultimate goal.

Why is the Holy Grail called a grail?

The word grail comes from a Medieval Latin word gradālis, meaning “platter.” At some point, medieval legends started to use the image of a cup (as opposed to a bowl, platter, or other vessel).

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As a teen surfer girl in El Porto, they were my holy grail.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Cornell University scientists have taken a major step toward developing a safe, reversible, long-acting and 100% effective nonhormonal male contraceptive, considered the holy grail of male contraception.

From Science Daily • Apr. 7, 2026

The value of the Japanese playing cards was illustrated recently when one described as the "holy grail" sold for £30,000.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“The hopes that I had for this holy grail are unfolding absolutely on plan,” Kaplan said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

I continued to refer to the Zork notes in my grail diary, which reminded me exactly how to make my way through the game’s labyrinth of rooms, passageways, and puzzles.

From "Ready Player One: A Novel" by Ernest Cline

grail

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Vocabulary lists containing grail

Solo

Novel Study: The Great Gatsby, Chapters 7–9

Ready Player One

grail

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

Related Words

Vocabulary lists containing grail

Solo

Novel Study: The Great Gatsby, Chapters 7–9

Ready Player One