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

Among several similar materials tested, this tungsten compound showed the best alignment and performance. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 27 Dec. 2025

Clamshells The clamshell exercise works to improve hip strength, balance, and lower body alignment. —Rikkilynn Shields Hannigan, Health, 26 Dec. 2025

The latest displays of military development come as Pyongyang deepens its alignment with Russia following Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Dec. 2025

Their decision to join the Sandringham walk marked a notable shift — and a visible show of alignment with the wider royal family. —Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 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