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

Relatives in Mexico were put on alert in case a member of the family was deported. — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Residents in these areas are encouraged to be prepared in case an evacuation is issued. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Pat Cotham isn’t a direct party to the lawsuit, but her name is mentioned frequently in case filings dating back to May 2025. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

Still furious at her mother, Natalie tentatively chooses to believe Cady but takes a gun along just in case, which turns out to be another lamentable decision. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for in case

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase