in case

1 of 2

conjunction

1
: as a precaution against the event that
carries an umbrella in case it rains
2
: if
In case we are surprised, keep by me.Washington Irving

in case

2 of 2

phrase

: as a precaution
took an umbrella, just in case

Examples of in case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Conjunction
And, in case the birds are hungry, the top tier also provides some grub. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026 The superfans who stood closest to the stage wore ponchos as protection in case a competitor threw up. Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026 Immediately consult your vet or an animal behaviorist in case of an emergency or to medicate an anxious pet before the fireworks. Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 3 July 2026 Nashville’s pedestrian bridge also turned purple, in case anyone in the city had somehow missed the point. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for in case

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of in case was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20case. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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