The word position has several related meanings that all involve where or how something is placed:

When you describe something's position, you're explaining where it is. A chess piece's position on the board matters: a knight in the center controls more squares than one stuck in the corner. A runner's position in a race tells you if they're leading, in the middle of the pack, or trailing behind. In hide-and-seek, finding a good position behind the couch or up in a tree can make you hard to find.

Position also means your body's arrangement or posture. A gymnast must hold each position perfectly during a routine. When a doctor asks you to lie in a certain position on the examination table, she's asking you to arrange your body a specific way. Sitting in an uncomfortable position for too long can make your legs fall asleep.

The word can also describe someone's job or role. A teacher's position at a school means their official job there. When a company advertises an open position, they're looking for someone to fill that role. Your position on a soccer team tells everyone whether you play goalie, defender, or forward.

Finally, position can mean your opinion or stance on an issue. If you take the position that homework should be reduced, you're stating and defending that viewpoint. During a debate, each side explains their position and why they believe it's correct.

As a verb, position means to place or arrange something in a particular spot. You might position a camera to get the best angle, or position yourself near the door so you can leave quickly.