corps

noun

plural corps ˈkȯrz How to pronounce corps (audio)
1
a
: an organized subdivision of the military establishment
Marine Corps
Signal Corps
b
: a tactical unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and auxiliary arms and services
2
: a group of persons associated together or acting under common direction
especially : a body of persons having a common activity or occupation
the press corps
3

Did you know?

Distinguishing Between Core and Corps and Corpse and Corp

These words are frequently confused despite their very different applications. Core and corps both rhyme with more. Core can be a noun, verb, or adjective, but is most often used as a noun to refer to the central or most important part of something (“the core of the issue,” “the Earth’s core”) or to the usually inedible central part of a fruit (“an apple core”). Corps has several meanings, all of which refer to some kind of group: “the Marine Corps,” “the press corps.” Its plural form is also spelled corps (“two corps of reporters”) but is pronounced just as cores is. Unlike in corps, The “p” in corpse and corp is pronounced. Corpse refers to a dead body, and especially to the dead body of a human. Corp is an abbreviation for “corporation” and “corporal.” Corp, corps, and corpse all trace back to the Latin word corpus, meaning “body.” The origin of core is obscure.

Examples of corps in a Sentence

members of the press corps a reporter who is widely respected throughout the press corps
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.
For serious dancers, performing for the SFB, even as a corps member, is a high achievement, perhaps akin in sports to being on a Super Bowl-winning NFL team. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 July 2025 There is one obvious hole — no Alex Pietrangelo — so the defense corps looks one impact guy short. Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 July 2025 With Tuesday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers postponed, forcing a midweek doubleheader, the relief corps received an extra day off, giving the Mets a full bullpen and an extra arm to play two games Wednesday. Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 2 July 2025 Its defence corps hasn’t changed, while its forward group loses Ehlers, Appleton, and Tanev while gaining Toews. Murat Ates, New York Times, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for corps

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "body, tactical military unit, group of persons or things," going back to Old French cors "body, group of persons or things," going back to Latin corpus — more at midriff

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of corps was in 1707

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Corps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corps. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

corps

noun
ˈkō(ə)r How to pronounce corps (audio)
ˈkȯ(ə)r
plural corps ˈkō(ə)rz How to pronounce corps (audio)
ˈkȯ(ə)rz
1
a
: an organized branch of the military establishment
Marine Corps
Corps of Engineers
b
: a military unit consisting of two or more divisions
2
: a group of persons acting under one authority
diplomatic corps
Etymology

from French corps "part of a military organization," derived from Latin corpus "body" — related to corpse

More from Merriam-Webster on corps

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!