Peace Corps

American  

noun

1. a civilian organization, sponsored by the U.S. government, that sends volunteers to instruct citizens of underdeveloped countries in the execution of industrial, agricultural, educational, and health programs.

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Peace Corps British  

noun

1. an agency of the US government that sends American volunteers to developing countries, where they work on educational and other projects: established in 1961

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Peace Corps Cultural  

1. An agency of the United States government that sends American volunteers to developing nations to help improve living standards and provide training. Created by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, under the auspices of the Department of State, the Peace Corps provides an opportunity to share American wealth, technology, and expertise. During the cold war it also served as a means for spreading American influence and values in the hope of preventing developing nations from allying themselves with the Soviet Union.

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Example Sentences

After graduation, he volunteered with the Peace Corps, landing in West Africa’s Senegal.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2025

And he practiced traditional West African carpentry techniques while serving in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025

Theresa Delsoin, an 83-year-old author, teacher and retired Peace Corps volunteer, wanted to set an example: She spent more than $500 at the store between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

From Salon • Aug. 13, 2024

With the Vietnam War still raging when Mr. Allman left the Peace Corps, he was hired by an English-language newspaper in Bangkok.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2024

“Long dead. Malaria. They were with the Peace Corps in Namibia. They gave their lives for what they believed in.”

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman