eminent domain

noun

: a right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction

Examples of eminent domain in a Sentence

The state took the homes by eminent domain to build the new road.

Recent Examples on the Web

Several landowners and property rights advocates called the legislation a distraction from the issue of eminent domain. —Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 4 Feb. 2026

Last month, the City Council approved an engineer’s survey for the final 27 pieces of land involving the city’s project, which allowed Olathe to acquire the parcels through negotiations with the owner or eminent domain. —Kendrick Calfee updated February 4, Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2026

Lake County notice Last year, Antioch-area residents were spooked by letters from Kinder Morgan notifying them about the project that included a reference to eminent domain. —Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026

Supporters of the measure say the amendment would strengthen a law passed last year, which specifically bans eminent domain for carbon capture pipeline projects. —Meghan O’Brien, States Newsroom, 28 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eminent domain

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• dichloroethane
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• polyurethane
• trichloroethane
• abstain
• airplane
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Kids Definition

eminent domain

noun

: a right of a government to take private property for public use

Legal Definition

eminent domain

noun

em·​i·​nent do·​main

ˈe-mə-nənt-

: the right of the government to take property from a private owner for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of its sovereignty over all lands within its jurisdiction see also condemn, expropriate, take sense 1b

Note: The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires the government to compensate the owner of property taken by eminent domain, stating “nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.” State constitutions contain similar provisions requiring that the property owner receive just compensation for the property taken.