nominal damages
Americanplural noun
Etymology
Origin of nominal damages
First recorded in 1790–1800
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Tesla CEO was awarded $1 in nominal damages on Friday, in addition to the reinstatement of his package.
From MarketWatch • Dec. 19, 2025
He is seeking a permanent injunction on “time, place and manner” restrictions on speech in public places as well as compensatory, punitive and nominal damages and attorneys’ fees.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024
The arbitrator determined that Kobe Inc. “has proven breach but not actual damages” and awarded nominal damages of $1 for each of the three claims.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2023
It also seeks compensatory damages, nominal damages, and attorney's fees.
From Fox News • Dec. 24, 2021
Dockwra was ordered by the court to pay nominal damages, and was forbidden to continue his penny post.
From The Development of Rates of Postage An Historical and Analytical Study by Smith, A. D.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
