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
That’s the Fifties, in case your math is shaky. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 30 May 2026 However, plant at least a couple of peach seeds as backups in case germination is low. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 30 May 2026 In reality, there were three forecast teams—one American and two British—in three different locations in case one of them were to be bombed. Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 29 May 2026 Climbers are urged to have their own pickets in case the protection placed by rangers and guides is missing. Becky Bohrer, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 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 6 Jun. 2026.

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