test case

noun

1

: a representative case whose outcome is likely to serve as a precedent

2

: a proceeding brought by agreement or on an understanding of the parties to obtain a decision as to the constitutionality of a statute

Examples of test case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

To that end, the Irsay collection offered something close to an ideal test case. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

This successful test case paves the way for wider commercial adoption across key manufacturing sectors. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

Canada could become a test case for other middle powers trying to avoid being pushed around by larger countries. — ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026

The new declaration and the AHM share the perspective that what’s happening in math should be seen as a test case, not some siloed conflict that the rest of us can ignore. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 14 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for test case

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

Legal Definition

test case

see also:

case sense 1a