1
: as a precaution against the event that
carries an umbrella in case it rains
2
: if
In case we are surprised, keep by me.—
Washington Irving
Washington Irvingin case
2 of 2phrase
: as a precaution
took an umbrella, just in case
Examples of in case in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
Familiarize yourself with its location before temperatures drop below freezing to act quickly in case of a burst pipe.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
Instead, officials recommend Oklahomans prepare to stay in place and prepare homes in case of power outages, frozen pipes or similar winter hazards.
—Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026
Boston declared a cold emergency through the weekend, and Connecticut was working with neighboring New York and Massachusetts in case travel restrictions are needed on major highways.
—Emilie Hawtin, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
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Conjunction
He will be filmed by a Netflix crew, though there will be a slight delay in the live feed—just in case.
—Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 23 Jan. 2026
Familiarize yourself with its location before temperatures drop below freezing to act quickly in case of a burst pipe.
—Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 2026
Instead, officials recommend Oklahomans prepare to stay in place and prepare homes in case of power outages, frozen pipes or similar winter hazards.
—Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 23 Jan. 2026
Boston declared a cold emergency through the weekend, and Connecticut was working with neighboring New York and Massachusetts in case travel restrictions are needed on major highways.
—Emilie Hawtin, Fortune, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for in case
Cite this Entry
“In case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20case. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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