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.
The city is realigning the intersection at Beaver Avenue and 41st Street and used eminent domain to acquire the 14-year-old sports bar to be able to do it. Linh Ta, Axios, 18 Dec. 2024 Summit would have to go through the courts to wield eminent domain. Peyton Haug, Twin Cities, 13 Dec. 2024 The pipeline company must finally secure contiguous property for the entire pipeline route through easements or the arduous legal process of eminent domain. Erik Kobayashi-Solomon, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 So this wouldn’t be some sort of eminent domain situation. Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 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

Cite this Entry

“Eminent domain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminent%20domain. Accessed 18 Jan. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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