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

Firstly, it’s totally protected against the elements and water-resistant up to 100 meters in case your activities take a watery turn. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026

Big-city mayors are giving poll workers panic buttons in case election skeptics question their work. — Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Prenups are traditionally signed before vows are exchanged to protect or divvy up assets in case of a divorce, but their purpose is expanding, lawyers said. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2026

That includes bringing in physical and cybersecurity assistance for county clerks, mailing ballots earlier to minimize problems from delays, and creating a provision to allow the governor to declare an emergency in case of interference. — Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 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