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

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

Featuring a wrap fixture alongside a breezy, ruffled skirt, this bohemian number is a dream to wear while quickly running errands, heading out on a walking tour, or even meeting a friend for a nice lunch. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024

Klopp, though, did not want to speculate on the return leg, focusing instead on Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture, against Crystal Palace, at the weekend. —Ben Church, CNN, 12 Apr. 2024

Asian Americans point out that the condiment has thrived for decades, quietly remaining a fixture in Asian immigrant pantries across the country. —Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2024

Bathroom fixtures might be cheap hardware-store staples, yet the big squishy sofas are acres of cool white linen. —Paul Richardson, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024

In 2002, Nathan, a longtime fixture of the social scene in Washington, D.C., hosted a ninetieth-birthday party for Child, the night before the Smithsonian opened an exhibit showcasing the contents of Child’s iconic kitchen. —Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024

Windows, awnings and other fixtures can fall from buildings. —Justine McDaniel, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024

In the years since, Beth has become one of the most vocal and adamant anti-trans activists in the state, as chair of the local chapter of Moms for Liberty, and a regular fixture at the California Capitol, school board meetings and protests for parents’ rights. —Jenavieve Hatch, Sacramento Bee, 4 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