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

The next-gen suites are configured in a reverse-herringbone set-up, so the outer rows can face the windows, and also offer up a tactile seat control center that takes design cues from the automotive world for easier adjustments onboard. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026

When the expectation of change collides with a system configured to withstand change, combustion often follows. —Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026

The crew is now making sure the spacecraft's interior is properly configured for the rest of their journey home. —Tom Costello, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026

Instead of configuring separate services, this plan includes hosting, a free domain for one year, SSL, email accounts, and daily backups. —Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 8 Apr. 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