# esprit de corps

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/esprit-de-corps
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A shared spirit of comradeship, enthusiasm, and devotion to a cause among the members of a group, for example of a military unit.

## Examples

- The team has a strong esprit de corps.
- Shared goals help create a natural esprit de corps within the volunteer group.
- You can feel the esprit de corps when the choir members sing together.
- The captain gave a speech to boost the team's esprit de corps before the final match.
- The office staff organized a weekend hiking trip to build a sense of esprit de corps after a very stressful month of deadlines.
- When the kitchen gets busy, the chefs rely on their esprit de corps to stay calm and help each other finish the orders.
- The long months of shared hardship in the field fostered an unbreakable esprit de corps among the soldiers, binding them together through every challenge they faced.

## Origin

Borrowed unadapted from the French phrase *esprit de corps*, literally translating as spirit of body. The term combines the French *esprit*, meaning spirit, with *de*, meaning of, and *corps*, meaning body.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.