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

Using eminent domain in the late 1960s, more than 240 families were displaced in the West End to make way for Brookshire and Interstates 77, 85 and 277. —Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2025

Colorado leaders concede that Nebraska is legally allowed to build the Perkins County Canal — including by using eminent domain to seize Colorado landowners' property. —Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025

To be sure, California would be within its power to prohibit drilling by condemning mineral estates through eminent domain and paying compensation to the owners. —Chris Kieser, Oc Register, 14 Oct. 2025

Then again, if Cutch, with 12 seasons as a Pirate over two stints, tries to leave Pittsburgh, the city should seize him by right of eminent domain. —Ryan Ford, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 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
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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.