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

The rare show of alignment among fierce rivals was soon countered by comments from Meta’s Zuckerberg and Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, both of whom dismissed the slowdown idea. — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026

An alignment takes place, as the legacy media consistently allows Rowling, as one of their own, to get away with removing trans women from their verifiable position as a vulnerable demographic. — Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026

This changes the alignment of the two ferromagnetic layers, which alters how easily electrons can tunnel through the insulating barrier (a quantum phenomenon known as tunnel magnetoresistance) and changes the sensor’s electrical resistance. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026

The primary pedestrian entrances are on Polk and follow the alignments of Plymouth Court and Federal Street to the north. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 4 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