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

To not beat Ipswich, a team heading straight back to the Championship following last year’s promotion, home or away this season (Chelsea lost 2-0 in December’s reverse fixture), could be the difference between qualifying for the 2025-26 Champions League or not. —Simon Johnson, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

An immigration judge ruled on Friday that the Trump administration may deport Mahmoud Khalil, the legal alien who became a fixture in the pro-Hamas campus agitation at Columbia University. —Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 12 Apr. 2025

Robots that can not only take orders but deliver them to the guest are becoming an increasing fixture in restaurants. —Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

The group’s lighting contractor is working with city staff to obtain permits to install the fixtures. —Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 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