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

Warhound wants to improve canine health and longevity alongside traits such as speed, agility, and scent detection. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026

With Carr, his average physical traits (by NFL QB standards) give pause for thought. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Oct. 2026

It is characterized by a distinct group of personality, behavioral and emotional traits. — David Dematteo, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026

Research from the Stanford Business School Advisory Council ranked self-awareness as the single most important trait for leaders to develop. — Flavio Maluf, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

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