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

Rabe has the physical traits to move quickly through KC’s minor-league system, too. — Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026

Ultimately, kneading is a multi-faceted trait, showcasing how domestication retains infantile aspects in adult cats. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Brands should also design according to the land, adapting to local fiber traits, while also designing for disassembly and biodegradability for garments at the end of their lifecycle. — Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 10 July 2026

The top scorers on those cultural traits are recognized company-wide and put on the walls. — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 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