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

The American Music Awards, a fixture on ABC from 1974 to 2022, is moving to CBS. —Paul Grein, Billboard, 26 Apr. 2024

New brass light fixtures, white paint, decorative tiles have all been added. —Brock Keeling, Orange County Register, 25 Apr. 2024

The interior was even more majestic, decked out in marble with brass fixtures. —The Enquirer, 25 Apr. 2024

Here, soft shades of periwinkle offer a colorful counterpoint to white walls and fixtures. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Apr. 2024

Disagreement over the most basic facts is a fixture of American politics, particularly when Trump is involved. —Jess Bidgood, New York Times, 17 Apr. 2024

The discount retailer operates 371 stores in Texas, Arizona, California, and Nevada, all of which will be liquidating merchandise, furnishings, and fixtures, according to a news release from the company. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Apr. 2024

The Gold Room features luxe booths, marble touches and showpiece lighting fixtures. —Linda Zavoral, The Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2024

Carefully reattach your glass component to your outdoor light fixture. —USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024

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

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