trait

noun

ˈtrāt 

British usually

ˈtrā 

1

a

: a distinguishing quality (as of personal character)

curiosity is one of her notable traits

b

: an inherited characteristic

2

a

: a stroke of or as if of a pencil

b

: touch, trace

Synonyms

• affection
• attribute
• attribution
• character
• characteristic
• criterion
• diagnostic
• differentia
• feature
• fingerprint
• hallmark
• mark
• marker
• note
• particularity
• peculiarity
• point
• property
• quality
• specific
• stamp
• touch

Examples of trait in a Sentence

This dog breed has a number of desirable traits.

honesty is one of her defining traits

Recent Examples on the Web

Their cemented arched ceiling has become a signature trait, with cement also used to build larger tunnel shafts. —Daphné Richemond-Barak, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2024

Some questions fans have probably pondered: Can Canales maximize the traits his second-year quarterback possesses, just like Canales has done at previous stops? —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 5 June 2024

Rodenburg then coached an actor, Elliot, into changing his voice to accommodate these traits. —Emilie Le Beau Lucchesi, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2024

This means war Not every new trait animals exhibit is a noble one—a fact that is borne out by a recent study of bonobos. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 5 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle French, literally, act of drawing, from Latin tractus — more at tract

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing trait

• sickle-cell trait

Kids Definition

trait

noun

ˈtrāt 

1

: a quality that sets one person or thing off from another : peculiarity sense 2

curiosity is one of her notable traits

2

: an inherited characteristic

dominant and recessive traits

Etymology

from early French trait "the act of pulling," from Latin tractus, past participle of trahere "to pull, drag" — related to trace entry 1, trace entry 3

Medical Definition

trait

noun

ˈtrāt, British usually ˈtrā

: an inherited characteristic