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
Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
Out of the 30 states where measles has been detected in 2026, Florida currently ranks third in case counts.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
On Friday, playing third base as a potential contingency in case Josh Jung is not ready for the season opener, Smith walked, doubled and hit a two-run homer.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
But the new hospital would also have a helipad in case a child needs to be transferred rapidly, by helicopter, to Lurie’s downtown location, Malakooti said.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
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Conjunction
The actors paced in the wings puffing on cigarettes, watching the sliding door in case the fireman should catch them.
—Literary Hub, 13 Mar. 2026
Out of the 30 states where measles has been detected in 2026, Florida currently ranks third in case counts.
—Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026
On Friday, playing third base as a potential contingency in case Josh Jung is not ready for the season opener, Smith walked, doubled and hit a two-run homer.
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 13 Mar. 2026
But the new hospital would also have a helipad in case a child needs to be transferred rapidly, by helicopter, to Lurie’s downtown location, Malakooti said.
—Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 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 15 Mar. 2026.
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