fixture

noun

fix·​ture ˈfiks-chər How to pronounce fixture (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some are big-picture choices, like home orientation, floor plan, and building materials, while others are aesthetic selections, like cabinetry and light fixtures. Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin, Southern Living, 25 June 2025 Blue Goose had been a fixture in the community for nearly 100 years until its closing, according to past reporting. Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2025 Canada and El Salvador will meet in a decisive Group B fixture at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup on June 24 at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025 It must also be remembered that the circumstances of Alonso’s first two game spits him against some of the best teams from across the globe, as opposed to season-opening league fixtures against domestic rivals. Sam Leveridge, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for fixture

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of fixture was in 1598

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fixture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixture. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

fixture

noun
fix·​ture ˈfiks-chər How to pronounce fixture (audio)
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

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