corps

word

/ˈkɔɹ/, /ˈkɔɹz/
kor, korz
/ˈkɔː/, /ˈkɔːz/
kaw, kawz

Definition

A corps is a large unit in an army, or a special group of people trained for a particular purpose. The word is often used in military contexts, but it can also describe organized public service groups.

Usage & Nuances

Pronounced like 'core', with a silent final 'ps'. Common collocations include 'army corps', 'Marine Corps', and 'Peace Corps'. Do not confuse it with 'corp.', the abbreviation of 'corporation'.

Example Sentences

He joined the medical corps after college.

basic

The corps moved to the north during the war.

basic

She wants to serve in the Peace Corps next year.

basic

Her grandfather was in the Marine Corps, so military stories were a big part of family dinners.

natural

They sent an engineering corps to help rebuild the bridge after the flood.

natural

It sounds fancy, but it's really just a volunteer corps for local clean-up projects.

natural