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

But this was his first opportunity to play against a live pass rush, which tested one of the traits that drew Los Angeles to Simpson. — Nate Atkins, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

In theory, Daniels could sue LSU for misappropriation of his right of publicity, which forbids the unauthorized commercial use of a college athlete’s name, image, likeness, signature, voice, nickname and other identifying traits. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 15 Aug. 2026

Among the things that Sullivan and Hafley have preached are physicality, being tough in the trenches and running the ball, and those traits surfaced at times. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026

The bill included exceptions for genetic traits intended to benefit an animal’s health or enhance its interaction with humans, including hypoallergenic traits, as well as certain aquatic animals. — John Woolfolk, Mercury News, 14 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