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

The truth is my friend has some very unsavory traits that make people want to tell him no. — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Each zodiac sign is linked to a birthstone that is believed to amplify certain personality traits or energies. — Kelsey Stiegman, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026

The character’s occasional negative personality traits take center stage in the biopic, and Sessa found those emotions were already in his toolbox. — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026

That set of complementing traits paired perfectly with Karl-Anthony Towns as Robinson could bring a different dynamic to the floor— anchoring defensive units and adding extra possessions for the offense to take advantage of. — Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 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