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

No astrologer can predict from planetary alignments or any other celestial configuration when a specific event, good or bad, will occur here on Earth. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2025

The meetings underscore Tehran’s intention to strengthen its strategic alignment with Moscow amid ongoing global uncertainties. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025

How fast do teams get to certain alignments and how frequently are they used? —Jourdan Rodrigue, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025

That alignment is what makes the collaboration feel so New York. —Christopher Claxton, Billboard, 16 Oct. 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