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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This self-awareness not only helps in defining clear goals for a new position or career, but also ensures that any change aligns with your long-term aspirations and values. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024 But the key development is that policy and Wall Street are now also aligning with the crypto world. John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 The eligibility dates for this year’s awards are aligned with Billboard’s Year-End Charts tracking period, which measures music consumption from the charts dated Oct. 28, 2023 through Oct. 19, 2024. Paul Grein, Billboard, 9 Dec. 2024 Many regions still align with the lifestyle traits Buettner identified, and additional areas—such as parts of France and the Nordic countries—might also qualify. Hannah Singleton, Health, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for align 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of align was circa 1693

Dictionary Entries Near align

Cite this Entry

“Align.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/align. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

align

verb
variants also aline
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

More from Merriam-Webster on align

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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