corps de ballet

noun

corps de bal·​let ˌkȯr-də-(ˌ)ba-ˈlā How to pronounce corps de ballet (audio)
plural corps de ballet ˌkȯr-də-(ˌ)ba-ˈlā How to pronounce corps de ballet (audio)
or ˌkȯrz-də-
: the ensemble of a ballet company

Examples of corps de ballet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is when the corps de ballet become most important. — David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 5 Feb. 2026 The herd’s lithe necks drifted above the bush in one ethereal mass, moving like a corps de ballet against a pale blue sky. — Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2026 In 2017, Mejia joined the corps de ballet and was promoted to soloist in 2021. — Thea Traff, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Ballet can be a cruel career, especially for female corps de ballet artists, who are easily replaced. — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for corps de ballet

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French

First Known Use

1818, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of corps de ballet was in 1818

Rhymes for corps de ballet

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Browse Nearby Words

corps d'elite
corps de ballet
corps diplomatique
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Corps de ballet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corps%20de%20ballet. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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