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

He's a fixture on the stage.

4

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

also : such an event especially as a regularly scheduled affair

attended all the team's home fixtures

Synonyms of fixture

• institution
• icon

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

Her customizable Golden Ossetra tins soon became a fixture at brand dinners and art-world fêtes; last year, Saks Fifth Avenue even dispatched them to editors as its holiday gift of choice. —Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2025

This ambient folk album from a fixture of the UK underground uses minimalist instrumentation—little more than Roberston’s luminescent voice and brittle acoustic guitar—for maximalist feeling. —Jenn Pelly, Time, 4 Dec. 2025

The book will feature a look back at the beloved WB/CW dramedy’s production and explore how Gilmore Girls became a fixture in pop culture (including an annual viewing bump on Netflix in the fall). —Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 3 Dec. 2025

The chrome and stainless-steel fixtures and details continue the cool tones for an elegant look of simplicity. —Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Dec. 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