corps

noun

plural corps ˈkȯrz How to pronounce corps (audio)
1
a
: an organized subdivision of the military establishment
Marine Corps
Signal Corps
b
: a tactical unit usually consisting of two or more divisions and auxiliary arms and services
2
: a group of persons associated together or acting under common direction
especially : a body of persons having a common activity or occupation
the press corps
3

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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

members of the press corps a reporter who is widely respected throughout the press corps
Recent Examples on the Web The basic ideological homogeneity of the press corps isn’t some secret that’s tightly guarded by journalists or even the people who run news organizations. Jay Caspian Kang, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024 Cleo Krejci covers education and workforce development as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Cleo Krejci, Journal Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2024 The Avs began last season with the best defense corps in the league, on paper. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2024 Caitlin Looby is a Report for America corps member who writes about the environment and the Great Lakes. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for corps 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '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

borrowed from French, "body, tactical military unit, group of persons or things," going back to Old French cors "body, group of persons or things," going back to Latin corpus — more at midriff

First Known Use

1707, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of corps was in 1707

Dictionary Entries Near corps

Cite this Entry

“Corps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corps. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

corps

noun
ˈkō(ə)r How to pronounce corps (audio)
ˈkȯ(ə)r
plural corps ˈkō(ə)rz How to pronounce corps (audio)
ˈkȯ(ə)rz
1
a
: an organized branch of the military establishment
Marine Corps
Corps of Engineers
b
: a military unit consisting of two or more divisions
2
: a group of persons acting under one authority
diplomatic corps
Etymology

from French corps "part of a military organization," derived from Latin corpus "body" — related to corpse

More from Merriam-Webster on corps

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