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

• affection
• attribute
• attribution
• character
• characteristic
• criterion
• diagnostic
• differentia
• feature
• fingerprint
• hallmark
• mark
• marker
• note
• particularity
• peculiarity
• point
• property
• quality
• specific
• stamp
• touch

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

How to build a diversified investment portfolio Diversification is the strategy or process of spreading money among a mix or range of assets with different traits, especially risk levels. —Russ Wiles, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025

However, each type of storage has its own unique traits. —PC Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025

They are also known for filing lawsuits against government authorities, a trait embodied by Rita Bixby, who filed unsuccessful lawsuits against state entities. —Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Despite the loss of his home, Rogers maintains a positive outlook in the midst of tragedy – a trait instilled by his minister father and schoolteacher mother, who taught him to always find the silver lining, even in the darkest of times. —Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 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