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

To perform an annual plumbing inspection, check fixtures for signs of age and wear. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

In the time since, his take on the character has become a fixture of fascination in pop culture, spawning a countless number of halloween costumes, memes and commentary. —Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 21 Feb. 2026

Dane had initially agreed to appear in only one episode of the long-running ABC drama, but remained a fixture — and eye candy for fans — for more than 130 episodes until 2012. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026

There were noticeable knock-on effects of having so few fixtures. —Andy Mitten, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026

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