trait

noun

ˈtrāt 

British usually

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

The lab also compares specific traits of collar bones to the chest X-rays the military routinely took of soldiers before they were deployed. —Josh Funk, Fortune, 27 May 2024

This tree will also eventually reach 60 feet but is very slow growing with a trunk that is thickest in the middle, a trait unique among all palm tree species. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 25 May 2024

What are the personality traits of a Gemini Rising sign? Adaptable and innately curious, Gemini Rising individuals constantly seek new experiences and thought-provoking exchanges. —Valerie Mesa, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024

Many of you — those who are toe-picker-uppers as well as those in awe of this skill — have enjoyed the story about traits siblings have in common, like unusual digital dexterity. —Gisele Grayson, NPR, 23 May 2024

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

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