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
So for those out at the game, bring a poncho or umbrella in case of rain and be ready to move inside if a thunderstorm happens to impact the North Shore. Trey Fulbright, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026 And wash your hands, too, just in case the eggs have picked up something. ABC News, 2 Apr. 2026 You're also given a 5-year limited warranty that covers you in case something happens to it. George Yang, PC Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026 To get that approval, Edged agreed that in case of a major power emergency, the data center would have its own backup power and would not need to add further strain to the state’s power grid. Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Mar. 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 4 Apr. 2026.

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