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

Some see this as a step to avoid pre-match aggro in case the sides end up face to face. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Those shots have already begun arriving at pharmacies—in case your pharmacy hasn’t already sent you multiple texts and reminders. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 9 Sep. 2026

Phrase

Residents of the Pierre’s 77 apartments and the 400+ employees who’d lose their jobs in case of a sale will have to hold their breath. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026

The development will also include a new, private and Evergy-owned substation to serve the site along with 41 diesel generators in case of power failure. — Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 27 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