configuration

noun

con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
ˌkän-,
-gə-ˈrā-
1
a
: relative arrangement of parts or elements: such as
(1)
: shape
(2)
: contour of land
configuration of the mountains
(3)
: functional arrangement
a small business computer system in its simplest configuration
b
: something (such as a figure, contour, pattern, or apparatus) that results from a particular arrangement of parts or components
c
: the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2
: gestalt
personality configuration
configurational
kən-ˌfi-gyə-ˈrā-shnəl How to pronounce configuration (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
ˌkän-
-gə-ˈrā-
adjective
configurationally adverb
configurative
kən-ˈfi-gyə-rə-tiv How to pronounce configuration (audio)
-ˈfi-gə-
ˌkän-
adjective

Did you know?

The term is very common in computer science and mathematics, and in scientific and technological fields in general. Thus, for example, two scientists won a 1962 Nobel Prize for their description of the configuration of the DNA molecule. Since then, researchers have studied what different configurations within the DNA strands mean and what they control, and genetic engineers have tried to configure or reconfigure DNA in new ways to prevent or treat diseases.

Examples of configuration in a Sentence

We'll have to change the configuration of the system to accommodate the new server. the basic configuration of the building is that of a geodesic dome
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The final configuration of the 2025 Nissan Versa SR remains more affordable than the average new car, starting at $21,190. Charles Singh, USA Today, 23 May 2025 As part of this evolution, operations teams deploying AI applications should be aware of network capabilities related to performance, capacity, and other parameters, and then automate network configurations accordingly. Manish Gulyani, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 But, as with ν Octantis, the data isn't clear enough to rule out alternative configurations yet. John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025 Dell Desktop Deals Dell has a few configurations of this versatile and affordable desktop tower for sale, but only one of them is seeing a $240 discount right now. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for configuration

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "relative position of the planets," borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French, "form, relative position of the planets," borrowed from Late Latin configūrātiōn-, configūrātiō "comparison, shaping," from Latin configūrāre "to shape, mold" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at configure

First Known Use

1559, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of configuration was in 1559

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Configuration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/configuration. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

configuration

noun
con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən How to pronounce configuration (audio)
kän-
: arrangement of parts or the pattern produced by such arrangement

Medical Definition

configuration

noun
con·​fig·​u·​ra·​tion kən-ˌfig-(y)ə-ˈrā-shən, ˌkän- How to pronounce configuration (audio)
1
a
: relative arrangement of parts or elements
b
: the stable structural makeup of a chemical compound especially with reference to the space relations of the constituent atoms
2
: gestalt
personality configuration
configurational adjective
configurationally adverb
configurative adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on configuration

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!