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 new municipality will be able to levy taxes on its residents, oversee permitting and zoning, initiate eminent domain, apply for municipal bonds, and charter a police department. —Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025

Additionally, the village of Dolton wants to take the childhood home of the former Robert Francis Prevost through eminent domain, aka condemnation. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2025

But the law is subject to judicial review, and Ramaphosa countered Trump by emphasizing that the U.S. federal government also enjoys a right to take over private property under eminent domain. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 21 May 2025

Experts say the law is comparable to similar legislation around the world regarding eminent domain. —Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 21 May 2025

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.