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

This mechanism also enables group traits to evolve in the yeast. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, "The momentous transition to multicellular life may not have been so hard after all," 28 June 2018 If scientists can ever isolate the genes—which may vary by species—that control Diamond’s six traits and combine that knowledge with techniques like artificial insemination, many of the barriers to domestication should disappear. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "Why Are Some Animals Impossible To Domesticate?," 13 Mar. 2019 Every season of The Bachelor, the show leans in hard on an interest or character trait of the current lead. — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, "All the Times They Say 'Virgin' on The Bachelor This Season," 7 Jan. 2019 Oddities include a medieval-looking skullcap from the 19th century that measured the bumps on a person’s head to determine intellectual traits. — Washington Post, "Psychology museum explores what makes us human," 7 July 2018 These traits enabled Jay to forge strong, constructive relationships throughout the ship. — Houston Chronicle, "Letters to the Editor," 30 June 2018 Ed Davis Unrestricted / Power Forward / 6-10 / Team: Portland Trail Blazers 5.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg Toughness, rebounding and rim protection are Ed Davis’ best traits. — azcentral, "Ranking top power forwards in NBA free agency: Aaron Gordon, Julius Randle, Derrick Favors lead list," 28 June 2018 The second notable trait is her unexpectedly deep voice. — Caroline Hallemann, Town & Country, "Is Elizabeth Holmes's Deep Voice Just Another Part of Her Scam?," 18 Mar. 2019 In the same way, the traits associated with domestication—like flatter faces and smaller brains—may not be evolutionarily adaptive in themselves. — Richard Wrangham, WSJ, "Humans: The Domesticated Primates," 10 Jan. 2019

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.