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

Even on a computer with limited use, antivirus software adds another layer of protection in case a malicious website or other threat reaches the device. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026

And does there have to be more than two-way player Tre Donaldson beyond those two, in case of injury? — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026

The service, which has since expanded to five other cities in Texas and Florida, initially carried passengers with safety drivers aboard to take over in case of problems. — Bernard Condon, Fortune, 4 Sep. 2026

Recreational vehicles can be in the floodplain, so long as they can be driven or towed away in case of a storm. — Ren Larson, ProPublica, 2 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