noun
Common
configuration
kuhn-fihg-uh-RAY-shuhn
Configuration (noun) means the particular arrangement of the parts of something. Example: “The seating configuration in the hall can be changed for each event.”
noun
1
The particular arrangement of the parts of something.
"The seating configuration in the hall can be changed for each event."
"The furniture configuration made the small room feel spacious."
"Engineers tested several wing configurations before settling on the final design."
2
The way a computer system or piece of software is set up.
"Please save your configuration before you restart the program."
"The technician checked the router's configuration and found a wrong setting."
"You'll need to change the network configuration to fix the connection issue."
How to use configuration
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow the parts of something are arranged or set up — from furniture to computer settings.
Common pairings
system configuration
default configuration
change the configuration
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Word forms
- Plural
- configurations
Fill the gap
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The seating _____ in the hall can be changed for each event.
Etymology
From Latin cōnfigūrātiō, related to configure — from con- + figūra ("shape, form").
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for configuration
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for configuration →
Frequently asked questions
What does “configuration” mean?
The word “configuration” means the particular arrangement of the parts of something. In plain terms, how the parts of something are arranged or set up — from furniture to computer settings.
How do you pronounce “configuration”?
“Configuration” is pronounced kuhn-fihg-uh-RAY-shuhn (/kənˌfɪɡ.jəˈɹeɪ̯.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “configuration” in a sentence?
Here is “configuration” used in a sentence: “The furniture configuration made the small room feel spacious.”
What part of speech is “configuration”?
“Configuration” is a noun.
Where does the word “configuration” come from?
The word “configuration” comes from Latin. From Latin cōnfigūrātiō, related to configure — from con- + figūra ("shape, form").
Is “configuration” a common word?
“Configuration” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “configuration” have?
“Configuration” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the particular arrangement of the parts of something.
What is the difference between 'configuration' and 'setup'?
'Setup' is the general, often informal process or arrangement of getting something ready to use. 'Configuration' refers more precisely to the particular arrangement of parts, or the detailed way a system or software is set up, and is common in technical contexts.
What is the difference between 'configuration' and 'settings'?
'Settings' are the individual options a user can change, such as brightness or volume. 'Configuration' is the overall arrangement of those choices and components together, describing how the whole system is set up.
What is the difference between 'configuration' and 'arrangement'?
Both refer to how parts are positioned, but 'arrangement' is a broad everyday word, while 'configuration' suggests a more precise or technical layout. Configuration is especially common when describing computer systems, machinery, or structures.
What is the short form of 'configuration' used in computing?
In computing, 'configuration' is often shortened to 'config,' as in a 'config file.' The clipped form is informal but very widely used among developers and IT professionals.
