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

Calendar tracks are defined by traits including materials, testing needs and seasonality. —Raj Dhiman, Sourcing Journal, 6 Nov. 2025

Using three psychological questionnaires, the team measured each parent’s attachment style, their ability to identify and describe emotions (a trait known as alexithymia) and symptoms of burnout. —Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

Future research could explore whether similar biases apply to other visible traits, such as race or disability. —Abby Frank, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2025

The scouting staff thought his versatile skill set could be a game-changing trait for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s unit. —Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 5 Nov. 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