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

This shift allowed for a closer alignment between IT and business needs, which Bekele noted was crucial for delivering value. —Peter High, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Prime examples include jaw issues like pain, clicking, popping, and locking (since a forward leaning head can take your jaw out of ideal alignment), as well as increased chances of tension headaches, because the neck muscles that attach to the base of your skull tighten up, Dr. Harding says. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 23 Oct. 2024

The brands’ passion for family and tradition was another point of brand alignment between Del Toro and Renais. —Kanika Talwar, WWD, 23 Oct. 2024

In the latest sign of their deepening alignment, Chinese and Russian defense officials vowed to strengthen their cooperation during meetings in Beijing last week. —Nectar Gan, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1742, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alignment

• in alignment
• out of alignment

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