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
4
: a settled date or time especially for a sporting or festive event
also : such an event especially as a regularly scheduled affair

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 He’s been a fixture of international cinema ever since, dazzling critics and audiences alike with everything from sci-fi romances (The Lobster) to royal satires (The Favourite). Allaire Nuss, EW.com, 8 Mar. 2024 The public baths — hammams in Arabic — for centuries have been fixtures of Moroccan life. Sam Metz, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 Today, though, television screens airing sporting events at the bar and modern cobalt blue light fixtures tone down any sense of pretense in the space. Detroit Free Press, 5 Mar. 2024 In addition to the beefed-up screens, hundreds of the stadium’s light fixtures — which had remained virtually untouched since the venue opened in 2011 — were replaced with LED models in various colors. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 29 Feb. 2024 Founder John Michael Kohler started the company in 1873 making plows and other farm tools, and now the $7 billion company produces bathroom fixtures, furniture, tiles, engines, generators and owns two Wisconsin golf courses. Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 Today’s toilets, sinks, tubs are typically white—but bringing in a colorful fixture shouldn’t be limited to a thing of the past (especially with the trends progressively leaning toward maximalism and dopamine decor). Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2024 Joselu’s presence has offered a substitute this season, but he has been used sparingly and when needed, rather than as a fixture. Sam Leveridge, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 The Giving Pies, a fixture in San Jose’s Willow Glen district, has become a small-business David going up against a corporate Goliath that now appears to have shifted gears into full mea culpa mode after the tech titan’s order cancellation that left the local merchant in a financial squeeze. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fixture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near fixture

Cite this Entry

“Fixture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixture. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

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