esprit de corps

noun

es·​prit de corps i-ˌsprē-də-ˈkȯr 

: the common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and strong regard for the honor of the group

Example Sentences

The troops showed great esprit de corps.

Recent Examples on the Web

Jones said the Mexican Marines are better trained, especially for special operations, and have a good esprit de corps, a feeling of fellowship and loyalty. —Dallas News, 12 Jan. 2023

Just generally, there’s not enough of a kindred spirit for Henry to bounce off of (what Casey once brought to the table) or an overall wisecracking esprit de corps. —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2023

But the modest rent, which included two meals a day, and the esprit de corps counted for a lot. —Joanne Kaufman, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2023

On the practical side, creating morale and esprit de corps is key. —Betsy Atkins, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2023

The ferocity of their mission; the foxhole esprit de corps; that sense of doing truly important work — for half a decade, these men fell in love with their jobs and, to no small degree, with one another. —Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2023

After Jones and Abelen were killed, fear and trepidation had crept in, eroding the unit’s esprit de corps. —Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 26 Dec. 2022

The drill teams are intended to be the face of each military branch, serving as ambassadors and demonstrating skill, discipline and esprit de corps for the public. —Justin Jouvenal, Washington Post, 20 Oct. 2022

However, this esprit de corps, or feeling of shared ownership/responsibility for the success of the offense and each other, seems to have taken over among offensive players. —Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2022

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Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

esprit de corps

noun

es·​prit de corps is-ˌprēd-ə-ˈkō(ə)r 

-ˈkȯ(ə)r

: enthusiastic devotion of members to a group and strong regard for the honor of the group