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

Hurd said the verdict bodes well for other plaintiffs, noting that Uber, not the plaintiffs, selected the North Carolina case as a test case for the broader group of pending lawsuits. —CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

Hurd said the verdict bodes well for other plaintiffs, saying that Uber, not the plaintiffs, selected the North Carolina case as a test case for the broader group of pending lawsuits. —Audrey McAvoy, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026

The test case—picturing a cow doing ballet—produces a smug bovine pirouetting. —Elise Broach, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026

Hurd said the verdict bodes well for other plaintiffs, saying that Uber, not the plaintiffs, selected the North Carolina case as a test case for the broader group of pending lawsuits. —ABC News, 20 Apr. 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