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

If the budget allows, add a new light fixture, too. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 7 Mar. 2025

This has resulted in a reputation for complex works in which silicone is married with wood, electrical fixtures, brass, and even old desktop computers. —Shanti Escalante-De Mattei, ARTnews.com, 7 Mar. 2025

Santiago’s, a longtime Colorado fixture, garnered a whopping 87% of the vote in its matchup. —Miguel Otárola, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025

The 650-square-foot, two-floor store features textured walls, aluminum lighting fixtures from Tim Hooijmans of De Studio, and sleek metallic shelving, all as a backdrop for its full range including the Ghost, Marina and Stellina lines. —Lily Templeton, WWD, 4 Mar. 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