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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many residents fear the project would utilize eminent domain to seize property along the installation route to feed data centers in Northern Virginia. —Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 22 Nov. 2024 Shall the power of eminent domain requirement be removed from Section 253 (h) of the Pompano Beach City Charter? —South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2024 Attorneys say cities around the U.S. use similar strategies to circumvent eminent domain laws. —Christina Coulter, Fox News, 9 Oct. 2024 Downtown bar Moses Roses will be demolished to make way for the museum after a yearlong eminent domain dispute. —Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for eminent domain 

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of eminent domain was in 1783

Dictionary Entries Near eminent domain

eminent

eminent domain

eminenter

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Eminent domain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminent%20domain. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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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.

More from Merriam-Webster on eminent domain

Britannica English: Translation of eminent domain for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about eminent domain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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