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 foam provided more structure than alternative materials, while the stack height helped my dad keep his neck in alignment despite spending hours seated in the car. —Mary Beth Skylis, Travel + Leisure, 3 May 2026

One exchange can create meaningful alignment. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026

Tees are made with dual layers of wearable technology to improve your alignment, enhance physical function, eliminate pain and boost athletic recovery. —ABC News, 1 May 2026

Use in soft robotics Collaborative efforts with mechanics and molecular alignment experts enabled the validation and prediction of these materials’ behaviors through advanced X-ray scattering. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 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