fixings: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, chiefly US and UK regional/colloquial.
Quick answer
What does “fixings” mean?
The accessories or supplementary items needed to complete something, especially in cooking (garnish, condiments) or construction/repair (fasteners, hardware).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The accessories or supplementary items needed to complete something, especially in cooking (garnish, condiments) or construction/repair (fasteners, hardware).
Can refer broadly to the necessary components that accompany a main item, whether tangible (like trimmings on a meal) or abstract (elements needed to finalize a deal or project).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'trimmings' is more common for food accompaniments. 'Fixings' is understood but marked as American or regional (e.g., West Country). In the US, 'fixings' is standard for food accompaniments and common for hardware.
Connotations
US: evokes homestyle, abundant cooking (Southern/Midwestern comfort food). UK: may sound quaint or Americanized.
Frequency
High frequency in US everyday speech for food; medium-low in UK, except in specific dialects or influenced by US media.
Grammar
How to Use “fixings” in a Sentence
[meal] + with + the + fixingsthe + fixings + for + [meal/item][item] + and + its + fixingsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fixings” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He is fixing the fence.
- They were fixing to leave.
American English
- She's fixing dinner.
- We're fixing to go shopping.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A for 'fixings'. Use 'fixing' as adj: 'fixing agent'.
- The fixing bolt is missing.
American English
- N/A for 'fixings'. Use 'fixing' as adj: 'fixing screw'.
- Get the fixing kit ready.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in procurement: 'We need the fixings for the office renovation.'
Academic
Very rare, except in historical/material culture studies describing meals or construction.
Everyday
Very common (US) for food: 'I'm making burgers with all the fixings.' Common for DIY/hardware.
Technical
In construction/manufacturing: refers to brackets, screws, fittings (e.g., 'wall fixings').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fixings”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fixings”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fixings”
- Using as singular ('a fixing' for accompaniments). Confusing with verb 'fixing' (repairing). Overusing in formal UK English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost always plural-only when referring to accompaniments or components. You don't say 'a fixing' in this sense.
It's informal. In formal culinary writing, use 'accompaniments', 'garnishes', or 'condiments'. In technical writing, use 'fittings', 'fasteners', or 'hardware'.
Meaning overlaps significantly for food. 'Trimmings' is standard in UK English. 'Fixings' is standard in US English and carries a stronger connotation of rustic, hearty, or traditional abundance.
No. Its core meaning is 'items needed to complete something'. While most common for food, it's perfectly correct for hardware, sewing notions, or other supplementary items.
The accessories or supplementary items needed to complete something, especially in cooking (garnish, condiments) or construction/repair (fasteners, hardware).
Fixings: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪksɪŋz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪksɪŋz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “with all the fixings (meaning 'with all the traditional accompaniments')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of FIXING a meal or a shelf – you need the FIXINGS to complete it.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLETENESS IS HAVING ALL ATTACHMENTS (The main item is incomplete without its 'fixings').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'fixings' LEAST likely to be used?