trait

noun

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

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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.
Over time, however, the construct of critical thinking has expanded to encompass personal development, emotional reflection, and dispositional traits such as inquisitiveness, self-confidence, and maturity. — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 Craig was extremely productive at Harvard and has NFL-caliber traits with his size, mobility and throw power. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026 Avalo uses machine learning to analyze the cotton genome and identify combinations associated with traits such as heat tolerance, water and nitrogen efficiency, yield, fiber length and fiber strength. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2026 Even as the identity of the South evolves, and more young people lose certain traits that are identifiably southern, manners remain one of the region’s most distinctive and steadfast qualities. — Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026 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

Phrases Containing trait

Rhymes for trait

See All Rhymes for trait

Browse Nearby Words

traipse
trait
trait-complex
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trait.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trait. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

trait

noun
ˈtrāt How to pronounce trait (audio)
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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trait

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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