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

The head of alignment at Anthropic confirmed that is the case, and multiple other AI employees came out of the woodwork to echo the message as well. — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026

The patented multi-panel high-rise waistband technology in the leggings boosts muscle memory in core, glutes, and spine for instant alignment, stability, support and pain relief. — ABC News, 14 Sep. 2026

The background star gradually brightens and then fades as the two stars move out of alignment. — Thomas Fauchez, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2026

London is now going in a different direction, negotiating closer regulatory alignment with Brussels on agriculture, energy, and defense. — Jonas Nahm, Foreign Affairs, 14 Sep. 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