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

Google, also an Anthropic backer, signed anyway, which makes the Amazon alignment the more specific one. — Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

In his role, the league said Pope will support the strategic alignment of development pathways across MLS Next, MLS Next Pro and MLS. — Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 24 July 2026

The floor plans were a jigsaw alignment, jutting around to provide access to windows and narrow harbor views. — Andrew Rice, Curbed, 23 July 2026

Throughout history, clothing and personal appearance have reflected social status, political alignments, sexuality, and more. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 23 July 2026

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