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

So, Warren acknowledged immediately the alignment with our values. —Alex Crippen, CNBC, 7 Mar. 2026

The popular After Party toe-separating socks help relieve tension and promote natural alignment after long days on your feet. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Mar. 2026

That political alignment on one of the most pressing issues facing California may explain why voters are having such a difficult time deciding who to support. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026

To do this, both spacecraft must formation-fly about 500 feet (150 meters) apart while maintaining alignment within millimeter accuracy. —Josh Dinner, Space.com, 6 Mar. 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