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 Rhino Operating System (ROS): A Pathway to Clarity At the heart of ROS is the pursuit of alignment. —Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024

Share this summary with your manager afterward to ensure alignment and accountability. —Mark Murphy, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

California must finally put someone in charge of homelessness response to bring alignment and focus on achieving results that get and keep people off the streets. —Bob Stonebrook, The Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2024

The Big Ten’s bowl alignment includes seven bowls, while Washington and USC will participate in the Pac-12’s legacy bowl lineup this year and in 2025. —Scott Dochterman, The Athletic, 25 Nov. 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