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

And succeeding as a leader in America today takes not only a special person with traits like authenticity and trustworthiness, but also a support system that is increasingly elusive — from the halls of Congress to the football gridiron. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026

All of those traits will be called upon if the Rancho Palos Verdes resident is to make another deep run at the BNP Paribas Open, the place that feels like home and where his biggest breakthrough came in 2022. —Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

During Sunday’s event, attendees rotated between different stations to connect with the animals, and experience their special healing traits. —Julianna Lozada, Daily News, 9 Mar. 2026

The downside of being a competitive player is that rage quitting is an expensive personality trait. —Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 9 Mar. 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