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

In 2022, the Texas Supreme Court ruled that Texas Central qualifies as a public interurban electric railway company, granting it the power of eminent domain. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

The Portage Redevelopment Commission is getting closer to opening up hundreds of acres for development on the city’s north side, both by pursuing bonds for a new bridge and by authorizing the use of eminent domain, if necessary, to acquire a tiny piece of land needed for the bridge. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 July 2025

Under Illinois law, the village has first choice on the property through eminent domain, according to Attorney Burt Odelson who represents the Village of Dolton, Fox Chicago reported. —Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 21 May 2025

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

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.