case

/keɪs/ noun [C]

Definition

› a container or box for storing, showing, or carrying something: The store had a display case full of antique jewellery. The laptop is sold with a padded carrying case. packing cases

› a box holding twelve bottles of wine or another type of alcoholic drink, or the twelve bottles and their contents: a case of beer/wine There is a 5% discount if you buy a case.

› arguments and reasons why something is right or wrong, should or should not be done, etc.: a case for/against sth There's a good case for bringing in new regulations.make/argue a case The study makes the case for increasing flexible working.a good/strong case The union believes it has been vindicated and has a very strong case.

› LAW a matter to be decided by a judge in a court of law: a libel/fraud/discrimination casewin/lose a case She accused her employer of unlawful dismissal and won her case.settle/drop a case The parties agreed to settle the case on the basis of the carrier's limitation fund.

→ See also basket case, business case, test case

(Definition of case noun from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)