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

Hosting everything from vibrational yoga sessions and fractal projections to energy alignments and live performances, the resort’s immersive showpiece is engineered to help guests feel sound, not just hear it. — Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Oct. 2026

Read posts by people who work in alignment and safety and policy. — Greg Evans, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026

Miguel Castro Freitas, the new designer at Mugler, showed his first collection a year ago in Paris, an effort that promised a re-alignment with Manfred Thierry Mugler’s point of view on tailoring and ready-to-wear. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 9 Oct. 2026

This season’s setting at the Musée Carnavalet reinforced the SMCP group brand’s alignment with French cultural heritage, but there was more substance here than atmosphere alone. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

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