trait

noun

ˈtrāt How to pronounce trait (audio)
British usually
ˈtrā How to pronounce trait (audio)
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

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 Once edited to have mammoth-like genetic traits, the elephant’s cells could be used to make eggs and sperm and an embryo that could be implanted into some kind of artificial womb. Katie Hunt, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024 Ultimately, the researchers want to edit elephant DNA to incorporate traits that allowed mammoths to survive the cold, like shaggy hair, curved tusks and fat deposits. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 In this way, the Teeter Popper engages the vestibular system to strengthen balance and coordination—two traits with which many autistic kids struggle. Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 6 Mar. 2024 Scientists can now try to use cloning techniques and gene editing to manipulate the cells in the hopes of someday creating elephants with key traits of mammoths, such as their heavy coats and the layers of fat that enabled them to survive in cold climates. Rob Stein, NPR, 6 Mar. 2024 Are these the traits of the president of our country, the leader of the free world? Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2024 Here's what's on the minds of some of today's GOP primary voters: Trump and Haley voters are looking for different traits in a candidate. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2024 My company’s extensive psychometric testing and research culminated in our Global Leadership Assessment Practice, which defines core traits of future-fit leaders. Dr. Tracy Cocivera, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Harry Murphy—Sportsfile for Web Summit Qatar/Getty Images The 3 traits Disney’s next CEO must have Speaking on stage with Fortune’s Massimo Marioni at Web Summit Qatar, Mayer outlined three indispensable attributes necessary for the next occupant of one of the world’s most coveted corner offices. Massimo Marioni, Fortune, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trait.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of trait was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near trait

Cite this Entry

“Trait.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trait. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

trait

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on trait

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