configure

verb

con·​fig·​ure kən-ˈfi-gyər How to pronounce configure (audio)
 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 Four additional guest and family bedrooms can be found on the third floor, and the top level, as mentioned, is currently configured as a rental apartment. Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 29 Feb. 2024 Working with the Herschel Freeman Agency, Gore continues to oversee his creation, configuring each tour not just for stylistic diversity, but also so that rising artists like Minnie Marks can work alongside veteran masters like Marco Pereira. Andrew Gilbert, The Mercury News, 22 Feb. 2024 Like the Blazer, the AWD is configured like the systems on most crossovers and cars with front drive being the primary solution and the rear only being activated when extra traction or maximum thrust is required. Sam Abuelsamid, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Routine tasks include functioning as the technical liaison between the Aviation Department and airlines, configuring new airlines within the common-use system, identifying areas for continuous improvement in travel systems. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2024 The parking lot area has been configured to handle the flow and circulation of traffic. Brock Keeling, Orange County Register, 31 Jan. 2024 The interior has 60 liters of storage space, which can be configured with up to three Yeti caddy trays (two come included) and two dividers (also included). Kevin Brouillard, Travel + Leisure, 21 Feb. 2024 Owners and contractors must adopt a more robust means of configuring and managing their supply chains. Todd Zabelle, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Such software then had to be installed and configured to work right. IEEE Spectrum, 6 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'configure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of configure was in 1677

Dictionary Entries Near configure

Cite this Entry

“Configure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/configure. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

configure

verb
con·​fig·​ure kən-ˈfig-yər How to pronounce configure (audio)
configured; configuring
: to set up for operation especially in a particular way
ships configured for observation

More from Merriam-Webster on configure

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