configuration

noun

con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
ˌkän-,
-gə-ˈrā-
1
a
: relative arrangement of parts or elements: such as
(1)
: shape
(2)
: contour of land
configuration of the mountains
(3)
: functional arrangement
a small business computer system in its simplest configuration
b
: something (such as a figure, contour, pattern, or apparatus) that results from a particular arrangement of parts or components
c
: the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2
: gestalt
personality configuration
configurational
kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shnəl How to pronounce configuration (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
ˌkän-
-gə-ˈrā-
adjective
configurationally adverb
configurative
kən-ˈfi-gyə-rə-tiv How to pronounce configuration (audio)
-ˈfi-gə-
ˌkän-
adjective

Did you know?

The term is very common in computer science and mathematics, and in scientific and technological fields in general. Thus, for example, two scientists won a 1962 Nobel Prize for their description of the configuration of the DNA molecule. Since then, researchers have studied what different configurations within the DNA strands mean and what they control, and genetic engineers have tried to configure or reconfigure DNA in new ways to prevent or treat diseases.

Examples of configuration in a Sentence

We'll have to change the configuration of the system to accommodate the new server. the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Much of his focus has been on the potential configuration between the men’s and women’s teams and the academy, and whether they can be housed within the same or separate venues. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 30 June 2025 The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is a comprehensive motorsports facility in Lexington, Ohio, that includes 380 acres and features a permanent road-racing circuit with two primary race track configurations: 2.4-mile, 15-turn or 2.258-mile, 13-turn layout. Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 The 2025 Toyota Camry comes in four different trims: the LE, SE, XLE, and XSE final configuration. Charles Singh, USA Today, 26 June 2025 While the display area of most iPhones is similar, the biggest difference between models is often the back camera, where the lenses may be in different areas or configurations. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for configuration

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "relative position of the planets," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, "form, relative position of the planets," borrowed from Late Latin configūrātiōn-, configūrātiō "comparison, shaping," from Latin configūrāre "to shape, mold" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at configure

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of configuration was in 1559

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Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/configuration. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

configuration

noun
con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
kän-
: arrangement of parts or the pattern produced by such arrangement

Medical Definition

configuration

noun
con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən, ˌkän- How to pronounce configuration (audio)
1
a
: relative arrangement of parts or elements
b
: the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2
: gestalt
personality configuration
configurational adjective
configurationally adverb
configurative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on configuration

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