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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Then Forbes announced the publication of a book, which is fulsome in its praise of the management and esprit de corps in the company. Llewellyn King, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for esprit de corps 

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 24 Nov. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!