align

verb

ə-ˈlīn 

variants or less commonly aline

aligned also alined; aligning also alining; aligns also alines

transitive verb

1

: to bring into line or alignment

aligned the books on the shelf

2

: to array on the side of or against a party or cause

He aligned himself with the protesters.

intransitive verb

1

: to get or fall into line

He aligned with his friends against a common enemy.

2

: to be in or come into precise adjustment or correct relative position

Negative ends of molecules align with positive ends of other molecules.

aligner noun

Examples of align in a Sentence

He aligned the two holes so he could put the screw through them.

The two parts of the machine are not properly aligned.

The text aligns with the bottom of the picture.

The schools had to align their programs with state requirements.

She is aligning with other senators to oppose his nomination.

Recent Examples on the Web

While High-Flyer’s pre-IPO picks have largely aligned with China’s national priorities, its own priority is still potential investment upside, industry experts say. — Anniek Bao,elaine Yu, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026

Shay Mitchell’s midnight espresso base exudes a plum undertone that couldn’t be better aligned with the seasonal transformation. — Alyssa Rotunno, InStyle, 27 Aug. 2026

August’s full sturgeon moon will align with a partial lunar eclipse this week, producing a stunning cosmic sight for sky-gazers. — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026

Council member Kathy Corless lauded the design, as well as the applicant’s willingness to amend the plan, which aligns with the city’s vision for the corridor. — Mark Dee august 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French aligner, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + ligne line, from Latin linea

First Known Use

circa 1693, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing align

• align oneself with

Rhymes for align

• affine
• airline
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• brucine
• byline
• canine

Kids Definition

align

verb

variants also aline

ə-ˈlīn 

1

: to bring into or be in line or alignment

2

: to cause to be for or against something (as a belief or political party)

aligned himself with the opposition

aligner noun