configure

verb

con·​fig·​ure kən-ˈfi-gyər How to pronounce configure (audio)
 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
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.
Then there’s development experience – necessary to configure and develop on the platform to ensure that the workflows are put into place. Ryan Craig, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024 It can also be configured to run the moment the camera is plugged into the USB port. David Szondy, New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024 The modular set can be configured in multiple ways, with 12 sectional pieces that can form two sofas and four chairs, one extra-large sectional, and more. Brittney Morgan, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Nov. 2024 Its program control system automatically configures permissions for known good programs and scrutinizes the behavior of unknowns. PCMAG, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for configure 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of configure was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near configure

Cite this Entry

“Configure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/configure. Accessed 10 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

configure

verb
con·​fig·​ure kən-ˈfig-yər How to pronounce configure (audio)
configured; configuring
: to set up for operation especially in a particular way
ships configured for observation

More from Merriam-Webster on configure

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