esprit de corps

noun

es·​prit de corps i-ˌsprē-də-ˈkȯr How to pronounce esprit de corps (audio)
: the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group

Examples of esprit de corps in a Sentence

The troops showed great esprit de corps.
Recent Examples on the Web Keeping the timeline straight while shooting out of sequence was a challenge — but the film was buoyed by an esprit de corps. Daniel D'addario, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024 The two of them share the most obvious esprit de corps in the band, but there was plenty to be said for the others’ contributions. Chris Willman, Variety, 19 Aug. 2024 The encampments shared a ragged esprit de corps, but Jungle reality often punctured romantic illusion. Photographs Todd Heisler, New York Times, 19 May 2024 The switch to an all-volunteer force was also meant to raise the military’s esprit de corps. Juan Quiroz, Foreign Affairs, 5 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for esprit de corps 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'esprit de corps.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of esprit de corps was in 1780

Dictionary Entries Near esprit de corps

Cite this Entry

“Esprit de corps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/esprit%20de%20corps. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

esprit de corps

noun
es·​prit de corps is-ˌprēd-ə-ˈkō(ə)r How to pronounce esprit de corps (audio)
-ˈkȯ(ə)r
: enthusiastic devotion of members to a group and strong regard for the honor of the group
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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