test case
Americannoun
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a typical case whose court decision may be interpreted as a precedent for application in future similar cases.
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a legal action taken, sometimes deliberately by agreement of both parties, with a special view to determining the position of the law on some matter, as the constitutionality of a statute.
noun
Etymology
Origin of test case
First recorded in 1890–95
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Using melanoma drug resistance as a test case, the researchers showed that targeting these common control points could help overcome resistance across multiple genetic causes.
From Science Daily • May 21, 2026
"The fact this really was a test case for environmental policies, can we defend against rising sea levels and increased storms?"
From BBC • May 4, 2026
Cuba could be the next test case for the Vatican’s diplomatic role.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
Her trial was a test case in multi-district litigation against major social media companies.
From Salon • Apr. 16, 2026
“What am I, Margaret, your test case against Vivian Shawcurt?”
From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
