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

Evictions for residents began in the early 1950s, when city officials used political tactics like eminent domain to acquire land or forcibly remove tenants so developers could build public housing projects. —Alli Rosenbloom, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025

In a controversial 2005 decision, the Supreme Court expanded the use of eminent domain. —Mackenzie Farkus, Christian Science Monitor, 23 Apr. 2025

In 1924, the city seized Bruce's Beach under eminent domain, ostensibly for a park but likely to dispossess the Black owners. —Natalie Preddie, Travel + Leisure, 3 Feb. 2025

However, studies indicate the project could require the seizure of 30 or more homes through eminent domain. —Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 11 Apr. 2025

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
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• 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.