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
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
Nazario was awarded $1 in nominal damages “in order to vindicate his rights under the U.S. Constitution,” the judge wrote.
From Seattle Times • May 4, 2023
It says that, by Friday, the duchess is to receive “£1 by way of nominal damages for misuse of private information.”
From Washington Post • Jan. 6, 2022
On the trial before Lord Kenyon, C.J., a verdict was taken for the plaintiff for nominal damages, with leave to the defendant to move to enter a non-suit.
From An Account of the Proceedings on the Trial of Susan B. Anthony, on the Charge of Illegal Voting by Anonymous
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.
