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 silicone material itself is bioinert and non-cytotoxic—two traits essential for future clinical use. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Dec. 2025

Those juxtaposing character traits were oftentimes the only way to differentiate between the gentle dreamer Bette and stern, controlling Dot. —Tom Smyth, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025

The brand-new Zodiac Collection features a set of 12 fine fragrance mists crafted to embody each zodiac sign’s most iconic traits. —Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 9 Dec. 2025

Many other experts agree that persistence and resilience are necessary traits for pushing past inevitable obstacles and bouncing back from unexpected failures. —Tom Huddleston Jr., CNBC, 9 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