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

Examples of esprit de corps in a Sentence

The troops showed great esprit de corps.

Recent Examples on the Web

The gathering, described by the White House as an esprit de corps event, was also used by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to announce sweeping cultural and structural changes to military policy, including a crackdown on grooming standards and physical fitness. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025

As a result, there’s an esprit de corps among the Falcons. —Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Sep. 2025

Breckenridge and Flanagan were normally near the sharp end of the team’s esprit de corps. —Peter Carline, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025

And never mind if some of that esprit de corps is conjured by a common nemesis in the form of the taskmaster. —Vahe Gregorian july 21, Kansas City Star, 21 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1780, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for esprit de corps

• conquistador
• forevermore
• hereinbefore
• kinetochore
• kwashiorkor
• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor

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