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 new arrangement, though, is also serving as an important test case, and is likely to lead to a growing pool of traders using DeFi to exchange stocks and a growing list of other traditional assets. —Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026

Kaley’s suit is being tried as a test case for a much larger group of actions in California state court. —Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026

But Frank was the latest test case for Premier League managers who have overachieved with underdogs through straightforward football, and put themselves in the frame for a ‘big job’. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026

In test cases, the researchers found that mice with pancreatic tumors survived an average of 42 days, compared with 25 before the CMV treatment — a nearly 70% increase. —City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 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 also:

case sense 1a