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 ship features engines configured to burn biofuel or e-fuel as soon as local regional markets can supply them. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Aug. 2026

Ludwig outlined his methodology for configuring the 176 Election Day sites, which was done in a way that ensured there were 44 polling places in each commissioner precinct. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026

Four of the floors are configured as spacious private apartments, each with grand living and dining areas and kitchens outfitted with Neff cabinetry and Maison Vervloet hardware. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 Aug. 2026

For example, a chatbot could be configured to not provide guidance if users ask it to make decisions about their personal relationships. — Walter Scheirer, The Conversation, 31 July 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