a particular way of thinking, feeling, or behaving, especially a way that is typical of a particular group of people, an activity, a time, or a place: The players have a very strong team spirit (= loyalty to each other). As rock musicians in the 1960s, they were very much part of the spirit of the age/times. We acted in a spirit of cooperation.
spirits B2 [ plural ]
the way a person is feeling: I've been in high/low spirits (= feeling happy/sad) lately. Her spirits lifted/rose (= she felt happier) as she read the letter. The negative reply dashed his spirits (= made him unhappy).
the spirit of a law, rule, etc.
the principle that a law, rule, etc. was created to make stronger, rather than the particular things it says you must or must not do: They followed neither the spirit nor the letter of the law.
enter/get into the spirit
to show enthusiasm and enjoyment: They went to the tennis club a few times but never really got into the spirit of it.
that's the spirit
used to approve or encourage someone's positive attitude (= way of thinking) or action: "Come on, we can win this game." "That's the spirit."
Fewer examples
The presence of so many outsiders has ruined the community spirit. I could never play team sports - I lack the competitive spirit . There is a spirit of defeatism among some members of the party. She'll make money - she has that entrepreneurial spirit. Our football coach has worked hard to inculcate a team spirit into the players