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 cabin can seat up to 19 passengers, but is often configured with eight to 12 seats for a roomier feel. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 27 Mar. 2026

The theater itself is expected to undergo upgrades to its stage, sound and lighting systems, allowing it to be configured more specifically around the show. —Tribune News Service, Baltimore Sun, 26 Mar. 2026

The Sledhaus 200 is currently up for sale from US$49,600 and can be configured with multiple options, including its layout and whether or not to have a bathroom or kitchen. —Adam Williams march 26, New Atlas, 26 Mar. 2026

But the suit claims that Novartis intentionally configured tracking tools installed on its product web sites to capture and transmit sensitive health information. —Andrew Joseph, STAT, 25 Mar. 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