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
Washington Irvingin case
2 of 2phrase
: as a precaution
took an umbrella, just in case
Examples of in case in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Christine Benz, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
My go-to is this Sun Bum multi-pack, which comes in handy in case one tube gets misplaced or falls out on a ride.
—Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
Heck, the Thunder even have another Jaylin Williams, just in case.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Jamie is going to hide the gold again, just in case.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
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Conjunction
Cover your basic costs in case of job loss.
—Christine Benz, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
My go-to is this Sun Bum multi-pack, which comes in handy in case one tube gets misplaced or falls out on a ride.
—Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
Heck, the Thunder even have another Jaylin Williams, just in case.
—Fred Katz, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
Jamie is going to hide the gold again, just in case.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
Cite this Entry
“In case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20case. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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