esprit de corps

American  

[e-spree duh kawr] / ɛˈspri də ˈkɔr /

noun

1. a sense of unity and of common interests and responsibilities, as developed among a group of persons closely associated in a task, cause, enterprise, etc.

   Synonyms:

   fellowship, solidarity, bonding, camaraderie

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esprit de corps British  

/ ɛˈspriː də ˈkɔː, ɛspri də kɔr /

noun

1. consciousness of and pride in belonging to a particular group; the sense of shared purpose and fellowship

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esprit de corps Cultural  

1. The feeling of camaraderie among members of a group or an organization: “The campers have been together for only one week, but they are already bound by a strong esprit de corps.” From French, meaning “group spirit.”

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Etymology

Origin of esprit de corps

First recorded in 1770–80; from French: literally, “group spirit”

Example Sentences

The president told NBC News it would be an exercise in generating some "esprit de corps" - suggesting that he saw an opportunity to galvanise his troops.

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2025

The drill teams are intended to be the face of each military branch, serving as ambassadors and demonstrating skill, discipline and esprit de corps for the public.

From Washington Post • Oct. 20, 2022

Several longtime Gay Days attendees shared a similar wistfulness for Gay Days gone by, adding that the us-against-the-world esprit de corps that was such an important part of the event has waned.

From New York Times • Jun. 10, 2022

“The energy, esprit de corps, commitment — the culture of the institution is one I found to be addictive,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2022

In 1928, when I was nine, I belonged, with maximum esprit de corps, to an organization known as the Comanche Club.

From "Nine Stories" by J. D. Salinger