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 Among the notable measures included is the rectification for properties unjustly seized through racially discriminatory eminent domain practices. Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 The transit agency now wants to simply return to the status quo on the adjacent properties before the eminent domain proceedings began. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 Amtrak has filed an eminent domain lawsuit against several West Baltimore property owners in its latest step to advance a multibillion-dollar replacement of the 150-year-old Baltimore & Potomac Tunnel — a critical piece of the Northeast rail network that is a source of delays. Luz Lazo, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 2023 The powerful Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has abruptly jettisoned its plan to seize ownership of a parcel in downtown San Jose through an eminent domain proceeding, according to a legal filing. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2024 Summit has taken flak for using eminent domain laws to condemn and seize rights of way for their pipeline path. Christopher Helman, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Still, eminent domain proceedings were necessary, and feelings were hurt. Rex Nelson, Arkansas Online, 5 Nov. 2023 In 2012, Barclays Center in Brooklyn opened as part of a mixed-use commercial and residential project that used eminent domain to transform the neighborhood, displacing hundreds of residents and businesses. Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 8 Feb. 2024 The task force will also suggest changes to the city’s policy for using eminent domain to seize properties. Brandi Kellam, ProPublica, 29 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'eminent domain.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 2024.

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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