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

But residents who live near hyperscale centers have expressed outrage over a range of issues, including health impacts, spiking utility bills, constant noise, dropping water pressure and concerns about potentially losing their land through eminent domain. —Katie King, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

Miami-Dade County has initiated a significant legal challenge regarding the site of PortMiami's sole fuel source for ships, with commissioners voting to acquire the land on Fisher Island through eminent domain. —Manuel Bojorquez, CBS News, 16 June 2026

In an 11-1 vote, the County Commission approved Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s request to launch an eminent domain proceeding against the fuel yard. —Douglas Hanks june 16, Miami Herald, 16 June 2026

Miami-Dade plans to seize a Fisher Island property via eminent domain, according to a release by the county. —Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 8 June 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.