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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
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

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.
Jackson was a fixture in the Reds’ broadcast team for over 30 years. Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025 The collision caused the fixture to fall, scattering glass over the crowd. Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025 Richard became a fixture in the starting lineup the next three seasons in Gainesville, culminating with last spring’s national title. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025 Kid and Pet Gear Toys and play equipment have a way of becoming permanent fixtures. Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on fixture

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