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

The Powell trial could serve as a literal test case to see how a jury reacts to testimony about allegations that date back some 50 years and arguments about what level of scrutiny Riverside should have given Lorch and the basketball program. —Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 7 Jan. 2026

While South Carolina provides a vivid test case, Molinaroli’s approach can help other regions facing similar struggles, particularly across the American South and Midwest. —Connie Etemadi, Charlotte Observer, 7 Jan. 2026

The new management arm has signed Indian American pop artist Rhea Raj as its first client, positioning the 25-year-old digital-native performer as a test case for Acharia’s cross-cultural, multi-vertical artist development model. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 6 Jan. 2026

Montana's 1st Congressional District may prove to be the test case for whether that can happen. —Hunter Woodall, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for test case

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase

Legal Definition

test case

see case sense 1a