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 Cleo Krejci covers higher education, vocational training and retraining as a Report For America corps member based at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Journal Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2024 Samantha Hendrickson is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Samantha Hendrickson, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 The volunteer corps greets patrons and ushers them to their seats as the audience gets ready to enjoy events. Christina Mayo, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2024 The Avs’ forward corps could look dramatically different by the time the regular season ends, and that could mean a different look for the fourth line. Corey Masisak, The Denver Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Given the potential for the Bolts to add a top-flight receiver with the No. 5 overall pick – and 2023 first-round selection Quentin Johnston attempting to bounce back from a rocky rookie season – a youth movement certainly makes sense for this receiving corps. Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2024 Chuck Mawhinney, the Camp Pendleton Marine who became the deadliest sniper in the corps’ history while serving in the Vietnam War, died on Monday at his home in Baker City, Oregon. Gary Robbins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2024 The Chiefs’ receiving corps was plagued by issues with drops throughout the season. Sam Joseph, CNN, 10 Feb. 2024 The program funds up to half of corps members’ salaries, but requires a portion also be raised through local community fundraising. Connor Giffin, The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024

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 19 Mar. 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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