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

Conjunction

Some see this as a step to avoid pre-match aggro in case the sides end up face to face. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Those shots have already begun arriving at pharmacies—in case your pharmacy hasn’t already sent you multiple texts and reminders. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026

Phrase

Roger Picard, a canine search specialist with Florida Task Force 2, said two dogs and their handlers flew in a helicopter with the National Guard to patrol some of the barrier islands in case local fire or emergency services missed anything. — Anna McAllister, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

University officials had met multiple times in the days and hours leading up to this weekend to discuss contingency plans in case the game needed to either be postponed a few hours, or moved. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrase

1898, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for in case

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase