in case

1 of 2

conjunction

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

in case

2 of 2

phrase

: as a precaution

took an umbrella, just in case

Examples of in case in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Conjunction

The agency routinely monitors weather conditions along the rocket’s path, in case an emergency on ascent requires the Dragon capsule carrying the astronauts to separate from the rocket and land along the East Coast. —Denise Chow, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026

Blankets are great for car naps, of course, but these items are also helpful to have on hand just in case you—God forbid—end up stranded and waiting for a tow. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 12 Feb. 2026

For now, plan on having an indoor alternative just in case your outdoor Valentine's Day itinerary gets rained out Saturday. —Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026

But gold’s now-unpredictable relationship with a once-reliable correlate is yet another sign investors are bracing themselves in case things go sideways. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for in case

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