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
• 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

Richardson has been a fixture in MGMT since Congratulations, and the band’s Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser have spoken fondly of him in interviews with Pitchfork. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 11 Sep. 2025

Boasting a more tailored look, the trousers are fitted with a zipper and button fixture and complete with a drapey fit. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 11 Sep. 2025

Two losses in three for Manchester City does raise some concerns, though, and their fixtures in the next two are challenging, with the Manchester derby and a trip to Arsenal. —Holly Shand, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025

Upgrades across the hotel have introduced motion-sensor lighting, water-saving fixtures, digital thermostats, and refillable glass bottles, part of a larger effort to reduce carbon output. —Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 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