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
Washington Irvingin case
2 of 2phrase
: as a precaution
took an umbrella, just in case
Examples of in case in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Most national restaurant brands have several vendors spread out geographically for key ingredients in case disruptions arise, said David Henkes, senior principal at foodservice industry data firm Technomic.
—Bloomberg, Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
Hydrants are cleared in case they’re needed to help put out a fire and saving that time, about 10 minutes, can make all the difference if there’s a fire, Vincent said.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
Use Google Maps to navigate your own neighborhood in case of unpredictable traffic.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
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Conjunction
Keep a batch of this classic coffee cake around in case of unexpected company (or just to snack on).
—Zoe Denenberg, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2026
Most national restaurant brands have several vendors spread out geographically for key ingredients in case disruptions arise, said David Henkes, senior principal at foodservice industry data firm Technomic.
—Bloomberg, Daily News, 26 Feb. 2026
Hydrants are cleared in case they’re needed to help put out a fire and saving that time, about 10 minutes, can make all the difference if there’s a fire, Vincent said.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
Use Google Maps to navigate your own neighborhood in case of unpredictable traffic.
—Literary Hub, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
Cite this Entry
“In case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20case. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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