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

Maybe this is a good lesson for celebrities to do a following check, in case one of their fan accounts went rogue. — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026

Still, some cautious Russians of military age, fearing a U-turn, are leaving the country just in case, mindful that the dire need for fresh troops could eventually outweigh the Kremlin’s urge to avoid public outrage. — Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 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