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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
Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Apr. 2026
Mitchell Robinson, Jordan Clarkson, Landry Shamet and Miles McBride were the backup corps against the Celtics, in a playoff-like environment.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
Swanson, who had partnered with Safdari to create Bloodline Combat Sports, was among a small corps of fighters suddenly left heartbroken and rudderless.
—Brian Martin, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026
Otherwise, Florida’s corners have been inconsistent, taking their lumps against a deep, talented receiving corps.
—Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for corps
Cite this Entry
“Corps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corps. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
from French corps "part of a military organization," derived from Latin corpus "body" — related to corpse
