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.
This is different than the traditional DEI training in part because many of these traits are invisible, undisclosed and possibly undiagnosed. 4. Shaun Arora, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 These traits make for an adventurous and outgoing kiddo. Holly Garcia, Parents, 22 Nov. 2024 These traits made the decision a no-brainer as the choice to bring the Sparks back to relevancy. Sparks Sparks miss out on No. 1 draft pick, landing again at second Nov. 17, 2024 Finding the right head coach is just one of the committed investments the franchise is making in its future. Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 This is another positive trait and a prerequisite for any major shift to possibly play out. Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 20 Nov. 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 28 Nov. 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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