federal case

noun

: big deal
don't make a federal case out of it

Examples of federal case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since the franchise's inception in the early 2000s, some of the cast members have made headlines for very real legal troubles, ranging from misdemeanors to major federal cases. Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 There’s been some speculation that there’s a parallel federal case going on. Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026 Pell cited his prosecution of major federal cases, including former Supervisor Andrew Do, who pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiracy to commit bribery. John Seiler, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026 Four of those federal cases were chosen as bellwether cases, meaning their outcomes are meant to help guide how all the other cases in federal court in Chicago might proceed, and/or how to settle those cases. Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for federal case

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of federal case was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Federal case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/federal%20case. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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