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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Evidence Popplewell heard would subsequently be used at both the inquest into the deaths — a verdict of misadventure was returned by a jury — and a test case for negligence. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 10 May 2025 On one hand, Iowa is a test case for the staying power of renewable energy. Benji Jones, Vox, 22 Apr. 2025 There’s no question in my mind that this has become a test case both for the Administration and for the folks challenging the Administration. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2025 The strange saga of Abrego Garcia has become a test case of the limits of President Trump’s aggressive mass-deportation campaign, which administration officials say is targeting gang members and other criminals living in the U.S. without legal status. Mike Lillis, The Hill, 15 Apr. 2025 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 22 May. 2025.

Legal Definition

test case

see case sense 1a

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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