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
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John Wise, an openly anti-Chinese bigot and the collector of customs in San Francisco who controlled immigration into the port, wanted a test case that would deny U.S. citizenship to ethnic Chinese residents. Russell Contreras, Axios, 21 Jan. 2025 Trump’s executive order would likely provoke a test case to challenge the ruling, giving the Trump administration a chance to overturn it. Barnini Chakraborty, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Jan. 2025 An early test case looms Is Michigan going all-in to flip Bryce Underwood? New York Times, 4 Nov. 2024 Practical exercises where students audit AI tools for bias, by creating test cases representing different demographic groups and running AI models against them, develop their skills in identifying and mitigating ethical pitfalls. Beata M. Jones, Forbes, 20 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for test case 

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of test case was in 1850

Dictionary Entries Near test case

Cite this Entry

“Test case.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test%20case. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Legal Definition

test case

see case sense 1a

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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