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
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.
In multi-unit housing, secondhand smoke seeps through light fixtures, wall electric outlets and doorways, posing a unique challenge for those trying to manage asthma. David Stempel, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 With his guidance, these athletes have become fixtures within the global fashion industry. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 5 Nov. 2024 The chain has become a fixture in many major cities since its 2007 founding and is in the midst of a huge national expansion plan. Andrew King, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024 Jones soon became a fixture in the New York jazz scene, arranging songs for Frank Sinatra, Dinah Washington, and Count Basie. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near fixture

Cite this Entry

“Fixture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fixture. Accessed 29 Nov. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on fixture

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