noun Uncommon

grail

grayl

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Grail (noun) means In legend, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper, sought after by knights in medieval stories. Example: “King Arthur's knights searched far and wide for the Holy Grail.”

noun

In legend, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper, sought after by knights in medieval stories.

"King Arthur's knights searched far and wide for the Holy Grail."

Something greatly desired and hard to obtain; an ultimate goal.

"A cure for the disease has long been the grail of medical researchers."

How to use grail

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the legendary cup from Arthurian legend, or a figure of speech for any highly sought-after goal.

Common pairings

holy grail search for the grail

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: grails

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King Arthur's knights searched far and wide for the Holy _____.

Etymology

From Old French graal ("cup"), from Medieval Latin gradalis, possibly a corruption of Latin crater ("bowl").

Origin: Medieval Latin

Synonyms

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Sangraal

Rhymes for grail

rail tail pail mail nail sail fail hail jail vail bail wail

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Frequently asked questions

What does “grail” mean?

The word “grail” means in legend, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper, sought after by knights in medieval stories. In plain terms, either the legendary cup from Arthurian legend, or a figure of speech for any highly sought-after goal.

How do you pronounce “grail”?

“Grail” is pronounced grayl (/ɡɹeɪl/ in IPA).

How do you use “grail” in a sentence?

Here is “grail” used in a sentence: “King Arthur's knights searched far and wide for the Holy Grail.”

What part of speech is “grail”?

“Grail” is a noun.

Where does the word “grail” come from?

The word “grail” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French graal ("cup"), from Medieval Latin gradalis, possibly a corruption of Latin crater ("bowl").

Is “grail” a common word?

“Grail” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “grail” have?

“Grail” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in legend, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper, sought after by knights in medieval stories.