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

Only drummer Ian Paice has been a fixture since 1968. —Gary Graff, Billboard, 18 July 2024

The first-floor terrace of Little Beach House Malibu, along with the staircase to the second-floor terrace, was outfitted in custom Mare turquoise-colored tropical palm patterns, accented with wood and light gold fixtures and furnishings. —Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 July 2024

Copper pots play nicely off of vintage copper pendants, which are interspersed with light fixtures designed by Deborah Ehrlich. —Madeleine Luckel, Architectural Digest, 16 July 2024

Like being inside a jewel box, the cavernous space showcases various products that the couple manufactures, like tables and light fixtures. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 11 July 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