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

In this space, gold mirrors, sconces, and fixtures bring a retro glam aesthetic to the marble and gray elements around the room. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025

First a fixture of working-class neighborhoods, the widespread popularity of kebabs began to soar in the 2000s, fueled by references in French rap music. —Lindsey Tramuta, Bon Appétit, 20 Mar. 2025

However, City and Chelsea’s current run feels more reminiscent of the four El Clasico matches over 18 days in 2011: a cup final, a two-legged Champions League tie and a league game, albeit Barcelona and Real Madrid also had league fixtures against other opponents during that run. —Jessy Parker Humphreys, The Athletic, 19 Mar. 2025

While representing different pillars of hip-hop, 50 and Kanye have been pop-culture fixtures for more than two decades. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 19 Mar. 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