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

Plant breeders and researchers may find valuable traits for nutrition or climate resilience in a collection faraway. —Julia Daye, Popular Science, 25 Dec. 2025

The character traits of the PAW Patrol pups can apply to everyday life. —Kara Nesvig, Parents, 25 Dec. 2025

Common traits include tenacity, resilience, empathy, authenticity, self-awareness, creativity, social intelligence, and determination. —Sarah Allen Benton, SELF, 23 Dec. 2025

At quarterback, Justin Herbert’s unique set of traits discards comparisons to any Chargers era. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Dec. 2025

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