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

Fire spread will be primarily influenced by alignment with topography, with any ongoing movement likely oriented toward the north and northeast. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

The sun and Mercury’s alignment in your sign highlights the power of your voice. —Usa Today, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025

With them, the board gains both practical alignment and restructuring expertise. —Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Speaking during his postgame news conference last year, Pittman said the Ole Miss offense might have had tipoffs on what Arkansas was doing defensively, which could have been through alignments, adjustments or signaling. —Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 12 Sep. 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