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

• 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

What wasn’t reported was Rivera’s aversion to pitches coming near him, a trait that’s fatal to long-term hitting success. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 July 2025

This method allowed scientists to precisely manipulate traits like shape, color, and pattern — something impossible to do with living specimens. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 3 July 2025

This industry-wide trait is also reflected in valuation standards. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025

Next, the Colossal researchers edited the gray wolf genome in 20 sites over 14 genes to express specific traits of dire wolves, including a light-colored coat, hair length and coat patterning, along with body size and musculature. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 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