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

The design changes led the Highway Department to take certain land by eminent domain, including on Boston Sand and Gravel property. —Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026

Clemmons said the authority would also have the power to exercise eminent domain -- the practice of taking private property for public use. —Arkansas Online, 12 Apr. 2026

Buildings also will not be taken through eminent domain. —Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026

More than 50 years ago, this same piece of property was a private horse ranch, and the National Park Service used eminent domain to force its owners out, as the agency did along the river in the 1970s. —Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for eminent domain

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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.