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

Boston could then roll with an outfield alignment of Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu, and with Yoshida no longer taking up a bench spot the club could either call up or acquire a right-handed hitting bench outfielder, which the Red Sox currently lack. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026

This is where alignment matters. —Heidi Williams, Denver Post, 19 Apr. 2026

Brett Bruen, a former Obama administration diplomat, said Israel’s increasingly close alignment with one party risks accelerating that dynamic. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 19 Apr. 2026

This process alone takes the better part of an hour, most of it spent checking and confirming alignment and energy at each stage. —Ahmed Helal, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 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