trait

noun

ˈtrāt 

British also

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 of trait

• characteristic
• feature
• attribute
• quality
• attribution

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

The rooms There are so many things to love about the guest rooms, but their best trait is the floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the Twin Cities. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

There is, however, another trait worth mentioning, one perhaps even more foundational to the literal and metaphorical heights of professional rock climbing. —Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026

Cristobal has praised the freshman, crediting his work ethic and raving about his physical traits. —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2026

Its loss of eyes and color are traits linked directly to life in perpetual darkness. —Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

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

Rhymes for trait

• ate
• bait
• bate
• cate
• crate
• date
• eight
• fait
• fate
• fete
• frate
• freight

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