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.
After years of harassment, the Manhattan Beach Board of Trustees took the land in 1924 through eminent domain with plans to build a park. Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 19 July 2025 Mayor Jason House has said the village may attempt to acquire the home through negotiations with the owner, and has also raised the possibility of using eminent domain and going to court to gain ownership of the house at 212 E. 141st Place. Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025 In addition to property loss due to natural disaster, owners can use the 1033 exchange for property lost due to condemnation or seizure by eminent domain. Fred Hubler, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025 Hopper explained eminent domain would be needed for water lines and treatment plants. Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eminent domain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminent%20domain. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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

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