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

When intelligently configured and integrated into wider management systems, MES can provide real-time data and predictive insights about every stage of the production process, from raw material delivery to the finalizing of products. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 8 Jan. 2026

Lonestar has configured two more data storage systems aboard the International Space Station and Stott sees a growing need for the services his company provides. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 7 Jan. 2026

Most oil refineries around the world are not configured to process the extra heavy grades of crude that come from Venezuela, but China has many refineries that can and, thus, receives about 80% of Venezuela’s oil exports. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 6 Jan. 2026

There are two additional bedrooms—both facing the park—that are separated with French doors, and have the flexibility to be configured as a guest room or home office. —India Roby, Architectural Digest, 6 Jan. 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