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

Indian investigators determined the jet was properly configured and lifted off normally. —Russell Lewis, NPR, 11 July 2025

More than another rulebook, the HMC for a future-proof social species will be colored by the ambition of a world that is configured to bring out the best in and for all. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025

With seven pieces, the modular set includes a glass-top coffee table, two corner sofa pieces, and four middle sofa pieces, meaning shoppers can configure the sections into a large sectional or split them up to create a smaller sofa and separate chairs. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 5 July 2025

Delivery Proof Photo evidence of pickups is available, and custom checkout flows can be configured as needed. —Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 3 July 2025

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