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
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Conjunction
Bull markets are almost never cut short by geopolitical flareups, in case anyone is wondering. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026 Travel experts advise passengers to keep all receipts and documentation in case refunds or reimbursements become available. Bri Buckley, CBS News, 4 Jan. 2026 Evacuation warnings across neighborhoods in Los Angeles County —especially in recent burn scars — remain in effect and residents were advised to prepare in case orders to evacuate are necessary. City News Service, Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026 And then maybe buy some new running shoes just in case. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in case

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of in case was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20case. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

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