position

noun

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po·si·tion | \ pə-ˈzi-shən

Definition of position

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : an act of placing or arranging: such as

a : the laying down of a proposition or thesis

b : an arranging in order

2 : a point of view adopted and held to made my position on the issue clear

3a : the point or area occupied by a physical object : location took her position at the head of the line

b : a certain arrangement of bodily parts rose to a standing position

4 : a market commitment in securities or commodities also : the inventory of a market trader

5a : relative place, situation, or standing is now in a position to make decisions on his own

b : social or official rank or status

c : an employment for which one has been hired : job a position with a brokerage firm

d : a situation that confers advantage or preference

position

verb

positioned; positioning\ pə-ˈzi-sh(ə-)niŋ

Definition of position (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to put in a certain position positioned the chairs around the room positioned the company in the global market

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about position

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Examples of position in a Sentence

Noun From this position, you can see all of New York City's skyline. Actors, please assume your positions. The show is about to begin. The child fell asleep in a sitting position. I was in an uncomfortable position and had to move. I was uncomfortable, so I shifted position. Return your seat to an upright position for landing. Verb He positioned the chairs around the table. The company is positioning itself to take advantage of a new market. The shortstop was positioned well to make the play. She positioned herself by the door.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Norman, a MIlwaukee native who has been with the police department for 25 years, has been in the acting chief position since December when former Acting Police Chief Michael Brunson Sr. retired. — Evan Casey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 4 June 2021 Stoops, a long-time defensive backs coach, has taken an active role in coaching the position during his UK tenure. — Jon Hale, The Courier-Journal, 4 June 2021 The new rules will make the general size of each board nine members, although that is more a default position. — Steve Lord, chicagotribune.com, 3 June 2021 The Sabres disagree with Eichel’s desire, a position Adams reaffirmed Monday. — Matt Kalman, Forbes, 3 June 2021 For years, Don Muhlbach was the Lions' surest thing — at any position, not just on special teams. — Dave Birkett, Detroit Free Press, 3 June 2021 However, after an offseason that rearranged the profile of the team’s outside linebacker room, the defense has lost a bit of pedigree at the position. — Daniel Oyefusi, baltimoresun.com, 3 June 2021 This new addition to Assouline’s Impossible Collection—featuring golf journalist George Peper’s survey of the world’s 100 most significant courses—will likely earn a prime position on his coffee table. — Pierre Tardif, WSJ, 3 June 2021 And Vivek Murthy was confirmed as surgeon general, a sub-cabinet level position. — USA Today, 3 June 2021 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The Revs are using the early days of this season to position themselves well for the long summer ahead. — Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 21 May 2021 Rock Entertainment links multiple sports, venues, music and content properties to better position them for collaboration, growth and new opportunities, the company said in a news release. — cleveland, 13 May 2021 McConnell has always been an unapologetic political warrior -- using his perch atop the Senate Republican heap to best position his party for maximum gains in every two-year election cycle. — Chris Cillizza, CNN, 6 May 2021 By prioritizing culture, embracing cybersecurity, rigorously tracking performance, and remaining steadfastly focused on the core mission, organizations of all stripes and sizes can position themselves for success. — Fortune, 4 May 2021 To improve upon their success in 2020, Nani said the team needs to patiently build through the season to position itself for a strong finish in the postseason. — Julia Poe, orlandosentinel.com, 3 May 2021 Armed with these five insights, organizations can position themselves as an employer of choice for a new cohort of talented workers. — Mark C. Perna, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2021 As the investigation unfolds, DeSantis is taking steps to position himself for higher office. — Steve Peoples, Star Tribune, 16 Apr. 2021 Finau started the day only three shots off the lead and hoped to position himself for the most significant victory of his career. — Paul Newberry, ajc, 11 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'position.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for position

Noun

Middle English posycion, from Anglo-French posicioun, from Latin position-, positio, from ponere to lay down, put, place, from Old Latin *posinere, from po- away (akin to Old Church Slavonic po-, perfective prefix, Greek apo away) + Latin sinere to leave — more at of

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Last Updated

5 Jun 2021

Cite this Entry

“Position.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/position. Accessed 12 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for position

position

noun

English Language Learners Definition of position

(Entry 1 of 2)

: the place where someone or something is in relation to other people or things

: the place where someone or something should be

: the way someone stands, sits, or lies down

position

verb

English Language Learners Definition of position (Entry 2 of 2)

: to put (something or someone) in a particular position

See the full definition for position in the English Language Learners Dictionary

position

noun

po·si·tion | \ pə-ˈzi-shən

Kids Definition of position

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the way in which something or someone is placed or arranged The seat is in the upright position.

2 : a way of looking at or considering things What's your position on the issue?

3 : the place where a person or thing is or should be They took their positions on stage.

4 : the situation that someone or something is in Your request puts me in an awkward position.

5 : the rank or role a person has in an organization or in society She rose to a position of leadership.

6 : job sense 1

position

verb

positioned; positioning

Kids Definition of position (Entry 2 of 2)

: to put in a particular place or arrangement He positioned the helmet on his head.

position

noun

po·si·tion | \ pə-ˈzish-ən

Medical Definition of position

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a particular arrangement or location specifically : an arrangement of the parts of the body considered particularly desirable for some medical or surgical procedure knee-chest position the prone position