align

verb

ə-ˈlīn 

variants or less commonly aline

aligned also alined; aligning also alining; aligns also alines

transitive verb

1

: to bring into line or alignment

aligned the books on the shelf

2

: to array on the side of or against a party or cause

He aligned himself with the protesters.

intransitive verb

1

: to get or fall into line

He aligned with his friends against a common enemy.

2

: to be in or come into precise adjustment or correct relative position

Negative ends of molecules align with positive ends of other molecules.

aligner noun

Examples of align in a Sentence

He aligned the two holes so he could put the screw through them.

The two parts of the machine are not properly aligned.

The text aligns with the bottom of the picture.

The schools had to align their programs with state requirements.

She is aligning with other senators to oppose his nomination.

Recent Examples on the Web

Unlike in prior administrations or international AI principles frameworks that link flourishing to ethics, equity, or the protection of rights, Trump’s use aligns more with a pro-growth, pro-innovation worldview. —Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

Since Sagittarius is the sign that speaks up for causes, Joah aligns with the Fire sign. —Lisa Stardust, People.com, 19 July 2025

This growth aligns with broader trends, as major tech companies continue to invest in the Nashville area and the Tennessee Valley Authority works to increase statewide power capacity to meet rising demand. —Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 18 July 2025

As board chair, Wilson’s primary goals align with the university’s strategic direction. —Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

French aligner, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + ligne line, from Latin linea

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing align

• align oneself with

Rhymes for align

• affine
• airline
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• byline
• canine
• carbine

Kids Definition

align

verb

variants also aline

ə-ˈlīn 

1

: to bring into or be in line or alignment

2

: to cause to be for or against something (as a belief or political party)

aligned himself with the opposition

aligner noun