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

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

The measure bans eminent domain from being used to construct carbon capture pipelines. —Stephen Gruber-Miller, Des Moines Register, 27 Jan. 2026

The attempt led by mall owner Ahmad Bahreini was meant to stop the city from using eminent domain to acquire the property. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 19 Jan. 2026

Property owners are waiting for the inevitable seizure of their homes and businesses by eminent domain after the state officially took ownership earlier this month of most of the 13 homes in the Round Hill neighborhood, slated to razed for the Sagamore Bridge replacement. —Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eminent domain

• diazomethane
• dichloroethane
• dichloromethane
• polyurethane
• trichloroethane
• abstain
• airplane
• alkane
• arcane
• arraign
• attain
• backplane

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.