test case

noun

1
: a representative case whose outcome is likely to serve as a precedent
2
: a proceeding brought by agreement or on an understanding of the parties to obtain a decision as to the constitutionality of a statute

Examples of test case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Whether the task is analyzing a validation test case before launch or troubleshooting a customer issue after sale, the AI doing the reasoning is the same. — Yu Fang, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026 New York City’s approach could offer a local test case for stronger oversight. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Sep. 2026 That canal was built as a test case for Panther Island’s canals, said Matt Oliver, a spokesperson for the water district. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Sep. 2026 To that end, the Irsay collection offered something close to an ideal test case. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 23 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for test case

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of test case was in 1850

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Cite this Entry

“Test case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test%20case. Accessed 7 Oct. 2026.

Legal Definition

test case

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