alignment

noun

align·​ment ə-ˈlīn-mənt How to pronounce alignment (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Rhino Operating System (ROS): A Pathway to Clarity At the heart of ROS is the pursuit of alignment. Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024 Share this summary with your manager afterward to ensure alignment and accountability. Mark Murphy, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 California must finally put someone in charge of homelessness response to bring alignment and focus on achieving results that get and keep people off the streets. Bob Stonebrook, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024 The Big Ten’s bowl alignment includes seven bowls, while Washington and USC will participate in the Pac-12’s legacy bowl lineup this year and in 2025. Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for alignment 

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of alignment was in 1742

Dictionary Entries Near alignment

Cite this Entry

“Alignment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alignment. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

alignment

noun
align·​ment
variants also alinement
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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