trait

noun

ˈtrāt How to pronounce trait (audio)
British also
ˈtrā How to pronounce trait (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Studies have suggested that musical taste is deeply tied to personality traits, and findings from a machine learning study run by Spotify offers a fresh perspective on this phenomenon. Diana Spehar, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Vanney said his mother, Jeanette, who taught kindergarten for four decades, instilled those traits in him. Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024 Panetta, 86, said senators must dutifully discern whether Hegseth has the appropriate virtues and traits to oversee the world's largest military force if the Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host ultimately decides not to withdraw. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024 However, there comes a time when that leadership trait costs you victories and, perhaps more importantly, lack of faith by your teammates (and fans). Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trait 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of trait was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near trait

Cite this Entry

“Trait.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trait. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

trait

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on trait

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