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

Elections become less about persuading voters and more about configuring the electorate. —Dan Daley, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026

Elections become less about persuading voters and more about configuring the electorate. —Dan Daley, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026

This beautiful conversation set includes a glass coffee table, three chairs, and an ottoman that can be configured in various ways to accommodate your seating needs. —Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026

Customers will travel on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner configured to accommodate 271 economy passengers and 32 business-class travelers. —Chase Jordan april 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 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