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

Getting there defied logic and demanded resilience, traits that have defined this club during a chaotic season. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2026

So these traits are not simply a consequence of living in deep water or being a fish — instead, they may be linked specifically to extraordinary longevity. — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026

Banner warns that judging which evolutionary traits are good or bad is an ethical slippery slope. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 July 2026

Create characters built around lifepaths, natures, clan traits, and merits. — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 30 July 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