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

Witness historic alignments at Angel Mounds Before Europeans colonized the Americas, Indigenous people built 12 earthen mounds throughout what is now Evansville, Indiana. —Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 19 Dec. 2025

Such alignment can easily be misread as flattery. —Adrian Kuenzler, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025

For Honeyman, the decision to join The A List came down to alignment and timing. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 18 Dec. 2025

That alignment helps explain its backing of Spinnova, whose own model depends on pulling fragmented industry players into a single, functioning biome-business. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 18 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