trait

noun

\ ˈtrāt,

British usually ˈtrā

Definition of trait

1a : a distinguishing quality (as of personal character) curiosity is one of her notable traits

b : an inherited characteristic

2a : a stroke of or as if of a pencil

b : touch, trace

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about trait

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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

Or would my blonde hair and blue eyes have snuck through some unknown recessive traits of his? — Jackie Bryant, Harper's BAZAAR, "Saying Goodbye to Your Future, Along with Your Marriage," 4 Sep. 2018 They’re joined by Elfo (Nat Faxon), who combines traits of a Smurf, a Keebler Elf, and one of Snow White’s dwarves. — Samantha Nelson, The Verge, "Disenchantment lacks the magic of Netflix’s other animated originals," 7 Aug. 2018 Half of the black participants were first made to review a list of racist traits associated with African-Americans. — Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, Glamour, "I'm an Immigrant. When I Spend Money on Makeup, I'm Paying to Feel Safe.," 17 Dec. 2018 All of these traits make Beaujolais a super-versatile wine, in particular for the sweeter foods at the Thanksgiving table. — Laura Giannatempo, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Wine to Pair With Turkey, According to Wine Experts," 15 Nov. 2018 Adora is strong, tough, hotheaded, and a fish out of water in the world of princess luxury and palace etiquette, which are traits highly reminiscent of the title character in The Legend of Korra. — Samantha Nelson, The Verge, "Netflix’s She-Ra reboot follows closely in Steven Universe’s footsteps," 8 Nov. 2018 The algorithm can also create a list of animals ranked by their risk of carrying disease, as well as a description of the traits that determine that risk. — Mallory Locklear, Discover Magazine, "With Big Data and Predictive Analytics, Scientists Are Getting Smarter About Outbreaks," 8 Nov. 2018 If it is damaged, then females develop as a mix of traits, while males develop perfectly normally. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, "Gene drive used to turn all female mosquitos sterile," 27 Sep. 2018 Epigenetics are inheritable traits that don't effect DNA sequencing, but typically stem from life experiences. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "THC Could Affect Men's Sperm, New Study Says," 20 Dec. 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.