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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Conjunction
And inside, the shoe’s insoles are printed with graphics depicting piles of beads — just in case the inspiration was lost on anyone. — Riley Jones, Footwear News, 30 Aug. 2026 Engineers deliberately chose a fairly low-traffic area without a large incidence of crashes in case the roundabout didn’t go well. — Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026 For now, it’s not expected to turn into a major storm, but the National Hurricane Center issued a statement explaining the coincidence just in case. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026 Standard travel preparations usually include packing extra lenses, travel-sized multipurpose solution, clean storage cases, and a copy of the traveler’s current prescription in case replacements are needed unexpectedly. — Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for in case

Word History

First Known Use

Conjunction

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrase

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of in case was in the 14th century

Rhymes for in case

See All Rhymes for in case

Browse Nearby Words

incarvillea
in case
in case of
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“In case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20case. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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