alignment
an adjustment to a line; arrangement in a straight line.
the line or lines so formed.
the proper adjustment of the components of an electronic circuit, machine, etc., for coordinated functioning: The front wheels of the car are out of alignment.
a state of agreement or cooperation among persons, groups, nations, etc., with a common cause or viewpoint.
a ground plan of a railroad or highway.
Archaeology. a line or an arrangement of parallel or converging lines of upright stones or menhirs.
Origin of alignment
1- Also a·line·ment .
Other words from alignment
- non·a·line·ment, noun
- re·a·lign·ment, noun
- self-a·lign·ment, noun
- self-a·line·ment, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use alignment in a sentence
Such disappointments open the door for ideas of possible new power alignments.
The days of clear partisan alignments and reliable ideological voting blocs disappeared after World War II.
Charismatic Candidates Can Break the GOP Presidential Losing Streak | Michael Medved | December 13, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTBut is the election of 2008 also historic in the sense of scrambling existing political alignments and remaking the electoral map?
Nothing lasts forever, and at some time both partisan alignments and the policy consensus will be transformed beyond recognition.
These pillars may be grouped in circles, cromlechs, or in long radiating rows, alignments.
The New Stone Age in Northern Europe | John M. Tyler
In ways like these we shall go on inventing methods by which the fictitious party alignments can be dissolved.
A Preface to Politics | Walter LippmannThe alignments are executed as prescribed in the School of the Squad, the guide being established instead of the flank file.
Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911 | United States War DepartmentPlatoon leaders take a like position when required to verify alignments.
Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911 | United States War DepartmentTo correct intervals, distances, and alignments, the colonel directs one or more of the majors to rectify their battalions.
Infantry Drill Regulations, United States Army, 1911 | United States War Department
British Dictionary definitions for alignment
/ (əˈlaɪnmənt) /
arrangement in a straight line
the line or lines formed in this manner
alliance or union with a party, cause, etc
proper or desirable coordination or relation of components
a ground plan of a railway, motor road, etc
archaeol an arrangement of one or more ancient rows of standing stones, of uncertain significance
psychol integration or harmonization of aims, practices, etc within a group
psychol identification with or matching of the behaviour, thoughts, etc of another person
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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