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

Toum is a year-round fixture at my house, but the quantity seems to triple during the holidays. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

After all, it’s been 21 years since Richard Curtis’s ensemble rom-com premiered and became a permanent fixture in festive viewing. —Riann Phillip, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2024

Habba has become a regular fixture in the media, speaking about Trump's cases and defending him against criticism. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2024

While there were lighting fixtures, the natural fire gave us exact reference for what the exposure should be and the behavior of the flame. —Simon Thompson, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Dec. 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