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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It was meant to be a test case for San Francisco’s crackdown on the city’s changing culture, an example to be made. Neda Maghbouleh august 18, Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025 Companies can then use a number of test cases and vary demographic data, while keeping qualifications and experience the same, to identify any bias in hiring, development, pay, and promotion recommendations. Dr. Michelle Penelope King, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 Facing more than 5,000 claims, the court asked a committee of attorneys representing children with autism to pick test cases that represented themes common in the broader group. Patricia Callahan, CNN Money, 18 July 2025 Many legal scholars say the current battle over Los Angeles is a test case for powers the White House has long hoped to wield — not just squelching protest or big-footing blue state leaders, but stretching presidential authority to its legal limit. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 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 28 Aug. 2025.

Legal Definition

test case

see case sense 1a

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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