fixture

noun

fix·​ture ˈfiks-chər 

1

: the act or process of fixing : the state of being fixed

2

a

: something that is fixed or attached (as to a building) as a permanent appendage or as a structural part

a plumbing fixture

b

: a device for supporting work during machining

c

: an item of movable property so incorporated into real property that it may be regarded as legally a part of it

3

: a familiar or invariably present element or feature in some particular setting

especially : a person long associated with a place or activity

4

: a settled date or time especially for a sporting or festive event

also : such an event especially as a regularly scheduled affair

Synonyms

• institution

Examples of fixture in a Sentence

He's been a fixture in the parade for many years.

She hopes the new educational program will become a permanent fixture at the zoo.

Recent Examples on the Web

Reid has been a fixture in political media, frequently contributing to discussions on race, social justice and policy. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

There’s also the usual fare: the knightly armor, bone gear, and massive, completely illogical fixtures of clothing that would be physically impossible to wear or move around with in the real world. —Josh Broadwell, Rolling Stone, 24 Feb. 2025

More than $36,000 was raised to buy the multitiered light fixture which features 52,000 Bavarian crystals. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2025

The show, which features in-depth interviews with politicians and other newsmakers, has been a fixture of MSNBC’s lineup for the past five years. —Benjamin Mullin, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier fixure (probably after mixture), going back to Middle English, "point of attachment," borrowed from Late Latin fīxūra "action of fixing, place where a nail is fixed," from Latin fīxus, past participle of fīgere "to drive in, insert, fasten" + -ūra -ure — more at fix entry 1

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing fixture

• plumbing fixture

Rhymes for fixture

• mixture
• admixture
• intermixture

Kids Definition

fixture

noun

fix·​ture ˈfiks-chər 

1

: the act of fixing : the state of being fixed

2

: something attached as a permanent part

bathroom fixtures

3

: one firmly established in a place

Legal Definition

fixture

noun

fix·​ture

: an item of movable property so incorporated into a real property that it may be regarded as legally a part of it