configure

verb

con·​fig·​ure kən-ˈfi-gyər 

especially British -ˈfi-gə

configured; configuring

transitive verb

: to set up for operation especially in a particular way

a fighter plane configured for the Malaysian air force

Examples of configure in a Sentence

The instructions tell you how to configure the kit correctly.

The plane is configured for military use.

Recent Examples on the Web

Available as a single panel made to your exact measurements, it can be configured with everything from rod pockets and tab tops to back tabs or grommets depending on your space. — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Routers and dedicated firewalls generally block the port unless configured to override that setting. — Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 14 Aug. 2026

With the second-row captain’s chair option joining the R1S lineup the three-row SUV can now be configured to seat six or seven passengers. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026

The setup takes an API key configured as a request header, which is the same pattern used across professional developer tools, giving technical teams full control from day one. — Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English configuren (as past participle configurid) "to model on, conform to," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French configurer "to compare, form," borrowed from Latin configūrāre "to mold, shape," from con- con- + figūrāre "to shape, form, make a likeness of" — more at figure entry 2

First Known Use

1677, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing configure

• pre-configure

Rhymes for configure

• disfigure
• prefigure
• figure
• reconfigure

Kids Definition

configure

verb

con·​fig·​ure kən-ˈfig-yər 

configured; configuring

: to set up for operation especially in a particular way

ships configured for observation