alignment

noun align·ment \ ə-ˈlīn-mənt \

variants: or less commonly alinement

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Definition of alignment

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

See alignment defined for English-language learners

See alignment defined for kids

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 of alignment from the Web

But stretching out your toes can alleviate muscle cramping and help maintain proper alignment in your feet.

— julie brown, Outside Online, "The Best Recovery Tools for Climbers," 13 June 2018
All that said, my preference is the alignment that best serves the most West Hollywood residents, workers, and visitors.

— neal broverman, Los Angeles Magazine, "Where Should WeHo’s Rail Line Go?," 13 June 2018
Liberals see the Constitution as a flawed document that contained high ideals that have, in fits and starts over two centuries, come closer into alignment with reality.

— jonathan chait, Daily Intelligencer, "Why Trump’s Assault on Democracy Doesn’t Bother the Illiberal Left," 16 May 2018
Risker's pop sensibilities came into alignment with her interest in electronic soundscapes to create a futuristic sound influenced by British band Broadcast.

— peter margasak, Chicago Reader, "Jessica Risker sharpens her sweet songs on a hazy new album," 18 Apr. 2018
There is also no truth to the idea there will be some special planetary alignment on April 20.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Green moon on April 20, 2018? Planets aligning? Facebook rumor is actually a pot joke," 16 Apr. 2018
The cosmic alignments in question do actually happen.

— National Geographic, "No, the World Will Not End on April 23," 13 Apr. 2018
Davidson Mayor Rusty Knox said the freight tracks were the only alignment that made sense for his town.

— steve harrison, charlotteobserver, "Red Line survives effort to stop study. What's next for Lake Norman train? | Charlotte Observer," 28 Mar. 2018
The heart and body are brought into alignment through the Super Soldier Serum, which transforms Rogers into a peak human physical specimen.

— ta-nehisi coates, The Atlantic, "Why I'm Writing Captain America," 28 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'alignment.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.