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 while Elaine seems to shift priorities and personality traits from episode to episode as the writers try to figure her out, Cree’s cheerful histrionics remain endearing throughout. —Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026

But exactly when our ancient ancestors evolved this trait was a mystery—until now. —Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 2 Jan. 2026

Both current defensive coordinator Shiel Wood and former defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said Horn’s best trait is physicality in tackling and press coverage. —Ty Kaplan, Dallas Morning News, 2 Jan. 2026

Those opposing traits underpin everything from solid matter to superconductors. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 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