corps

noun

ˈkȯr 

plural corps ˈkȯrz 

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

: corps de ballet

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.

Synonyms

• brotherhood
• community
• fellowship
• fraternity
• sodality
• vocation

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

The program funds up to half of corps members’ salaries, but requires a portion also be raised through local community fundraising. —Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 23 Apr. 2024

Grier wants his team to be harder to play against, and the defense corps is included in that, so how does that manifest itself? —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2024

Maysoon Khan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. —Maysoon Khan, Quartz, 18 Apr. 2024

The separation will likely happen in the next 90 to 120 days, the corps said in its statement. —Bill Feather, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024

The corps estimates that the changes along the rivers will considerably decrease the likelihood of flooding. —Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 11 Apr. 2024

Wegmann, like the rest of the press corps, was incensed. —Kyle Paoletta, Harper's Magazine, 30 Mar. 2024

More:The Great Lakes were named the first freshwater 'Hope Spot,' here's why that matters Caitlin Looby is a Report for America corps member who writes about the environment and the Great Lakes. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2024

Trisha Ahmed is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. —Trisha Ahmed, Quartz, 8 Apr. 2024

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

Phrases Containing corps

• corps de ballet
• corps d'elite
• diplomatic corps
• esprit de corps
• peace corps
• press corps
• sergeant major of the marine corps

Kids Definition

corps

noun

ˈkō(ə)r 

ˈkȯ(ə)r

plural corps ˈkō(ə)rz 

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