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
For years, the standard treatment has involved avoiding foods that come from cows, pigs and lambs while carrying an epinephrine injector in case of medical emergency. Matthew Perrone, Fortune, 13 June 2026 Is your emergency kit prepared in case of a tornado? Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2026 Anunoby — with nobody in his path — sprints from the out-of-bounds spot into the lane, just in case. ABC News, 11 June 2026 Just remember to give yourself plenty of time in case of unexpected travel delays and to have a contactless payment method handy for Metro fees. Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 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 14 Jun. 2026.

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