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 area's miles-wide, perfectly flat terrain offered a favorable environment both for Brown's dive and landing as well as the visual alignment of the aircraft to capture the shot from several miles away. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 22 Nov. 2025

The surgeon will attempt to restore anatomic alignment of the wrist and usually use a metal plate and screws to hold the bones in place. —Harlan Selesnick, Miami Herald, 21 Nov. 2025

That alignment ensured proper phase matching. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 Nov. 2025

These alignments will offer us the opportunity to explore new ways of relating to ourselves and others, and invite us to ensure that our choices are in line with our core values. —Marie Bladt, Vogue, 19 Nov. 2025

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