alignment

noun

align·​ment ə-ˈlīn-mənt 

variants or less commonly alinement

1

: the act of aligning or state of being aligned

especially : the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts (as of a mechanical or electronic device) in relation to each other

2

a

: a forming in line

b

: the line thus formed

3

: the ground plan (as of a railroad or highway) in distinction from the profile

4

: an arrangement of groups or forces in relation to one another

new alignments within the political party

Examples of alignment in a Sentence

The school has to bring its programs into alignment with state requirements.

New alignments have been created within the political party.

Recent Examples on the Web

In hospitality, every operational detail from the check-in flow to service rituals and even cutlery alignment becomes the difference between loyalty and churn. —Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025

And this partnership is nothing short of divine alignment for Long. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 10 Oct. 2025

The effort consisted of a three-part social-first video campaign along with alignment to Variety’s red carpet coverage of the night. —William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2025

The alignment has to be perfect to enable this, and that alignment is only maintained for a brief period, but by watching many millions of stars at the same time, Roman is expected to come up trumps. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alignment

• in alignment
• out of alignment

Rhymes for alignment

• alinement
• assignment
• confinement
• consignment
• refinement
• misalignment
• nonalignment
• realignment
• reassignment
• reconsignment

Kids Definition

alignment

noun

align·​ment

variants also alinement

ə-ˈlīn-mənt 

1

a

: the act of aligning : the state of being aligned

b

: the proper adjustment of parts in relation to each other

2

: an arrangement of groups or forces

a new political alignment