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.
So far, there have been five court cases that resulted in the City Council approving eminent domain payments. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026 Ranchers began whispering about eminent domain, turning a debate over federal policy into something deeply personal. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026 Summit’s project has faced a number of delays since, including a ban on the use of eminent domain for carbon sequestration pipelines in South Dakota, and attempts to pass a similar law in Iowa. — Cami Koons, Iowa Capital Dispatch, 14 Aug. 2026 The law would allow the township to acquire access by eminent domain, but Harper doesn’t want to go that route. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for eminent domain

See All Rhymes for eminent domain

Browse Nearby Words

eminent
eminent domain
eminenter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Eminent domain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminent%20domain. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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.com: Encyclopedia article about eminent domain

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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