trait

noun \ ˈtrāt , British usually ˈtrā \

|Updated on: 14 Aug 2018

Examples: trait in a Sentence

Definition of trait

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

See trait defined for English-language learners

See trait defined for kids

Examples of trait in a Sentence

This dog breed has a number of desirable traits.
honesty is one of her defining traits

Recent Examples of trait from the Web

That personality trait helped him Sunday, no doubt, after giving up three runs in the first two innings.

— shawn windsor, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Tigers bet on Michael Fulmer can pay off in ace or prospects," 9 July 2018
The essence of the waterfall is still there, despite decades of change, which is also indicative of personality traits and behaviors within humans.

— michael livingston, latimes.com, "Gallery exhibit at Glendale library explores themes of mobility," 6 July 2018
Research shows that internet trolls tend to display personality traits like sadism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism.

— german lopez, Vox, "David Hogg’s family was swatted. That’s extremely dangerous.," 5 June 2018
More than just numbers, those in the middle often exhibit strong traits of empathy, diplomacy, and liberalism.

— katie kosma, Longreads, "Losing the Middle Ground," 13 July 2018
Neuroticism — a tendency toward negative emotions — has been linked to anxiety and moodiness, and multiple studies have also found a connection between higher levels of the trait and high disgust sensitivity.

— cari romm, The Cut, "What Your Ability to Handle Pimple-Popping Videos Says About You," 11 July 2018
Doctors believe people who have the sickle cell trait are less likely to have severe forms of malaria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

— frank vaisvilas, Daily Southtown, "Matteson girl who dedicated her birthday to a blood drive honored as hero by Red Cross," 16 May 2018
Previous studies have given evidence that sharks, like humans, have specific personality traits—some are social while others appear more introverted.

— elaina zachos, National Geographic, "Sharks Prefer Jazz Over Classical Music, Study Finds," 10 May 2018
During the offseason, Kreis and Orlando City GM Niki Budalic brought in 14 new players and every one of them, Kreis says, has one common trait.

— mike bianchi, Pro Soccer USA, "After record win, Orlando City fans need to start appreciating Jason Kreis," 6 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trait.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of trait

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1589

in the meaning defined at sense 2a

See Words from the same year

trait Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Related Words

badge, indication, sign;

emblem, symbol, token;

charm, grace;

excellence, merit, virtue;

eccentricity, idiosyncrasy, oddity, quirk;

individuality, singularity, uniqueness;

Other Genetics Terms

chimera, hermaphrodite, plasticity

TRAIT Defined for English Language Learners

trait

noun

Definition of trait for English Language Learners

: a quality that makes one person or thing different from another

TRAIT Defined for Kids

trait

noun \ ˈtrāt \

Definition of trait for Students

: a quality that makes one person, animal, or thing different from another

Medical Dictionary

trait

noun \ ˈtrāt, British usually ˈtrā \

medical Definition of trait

: an inherited characteristic

Learn More about trait

See words that rhyme with trait Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for trait Spanish Central: Translation of trait Nglish: Translation of trait for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of trait for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trait

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trait

Definition of trait

Examples of trait in a Sentence

Recent Examples of trait from the Web

Origin and Etymology of trait

trait Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

Other Genetics Terms

TRAIT Defined for English Language Learners

trait

Definition of trait for English Language Learners

TRAIT Defined for Kids

trait

Definition of trait for Students

Medical Dictionary

trait

medical Definition of trait

Learn More about trait

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