fixture: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral; common in property, sports, and business contexts.
Quick answer
What does “fixture” mean?
An object or piece of equipment that is fixed in position and is considered a permanent part of a building, system, or event.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An object or piece of equipment that is fixed in position and is considered a permanent part of a building, system, or event.
A person or thing that is well-established in a particular place or situation and is difficult to remove or change; also, a scheduled sporting event.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More commonly used in British English in the sporting context ('football fixture'). In American English, 'schedule' or 'game' is often preferred for sports. The property/legal sense is equally common in both.
Connotations
In British English, 'fixture' has strong cultural connotations with organised league sports. In both varieties, the property sense carries legal weight.
Frequency
Higher frequency in British English due to sports usage.
Grammar
How to Use “fixture” in a Sentence
[be/become] a fixture in/at [place/event][install/remove/replace] a fixture[schedule/postpone] a fixtureVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “fixture” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The Chelsea vs. Arsenal fixture has been moved to Wednesday.
- We need to replace the bathroom fixtures before selling the house.
- Old Mr. Jenkins is a fixture at the village pub.
American English
- The lighting fixture in the hallway needs a new bulb.
- He became a fixture on the late-night talk show circuit.
- Conference fixtures are published months in advance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to capital assets attached to premises, e.g., 'All fixtures and fittings are included in the sale.'
Academic
Used in law (property law), sociology (studies of community), and sports science.
Everyday
Common in discussions about home improvements, renovations, and sports calendars.
Technical
Specific use in engineering for permanently mounted components and in sports administration for match scheduling.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fixture”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fixture”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fixture”
- Using 'fixture' for a temporary or portable object (e.g., a lamp that plugs in). Confusing 'fixture' (event) with 'fix' (to repair). Using 'fixtures' as a singular noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, yes. A 'light fixture' implies it is wired and mounted. A free-standing lamp is usually not called a fixture.
Yes, figuratively. E.g., 'She's a fixture at the local library' means she is always or very often there.
In property, 'fixtures' are items permanently attached (e.g., built-in wardrobes). 'Fittings' are items that can be removed (e.g., curtains, freestanding appliances). The terms are often used together ('fixtures and fittings').
It refers to a scheduled match. E.g., 'The season's opening fixture is against our main rivals.' You can 'schedule', 'postpone', or 'cancel' a fixture.
An object or piece of equipment that is fixed in position and is considered a permanent part of a building, system, or event.
Fixture is usually formal to neutral; common in property, sports, and business contexts. in register.
Fixture: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɪkstʃə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɪkstʃər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a fixture of the landscape”
- “as much a fixture as the furniture”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of something FIXed in posTURE - a fixture is fixed in place.
Conceptual Metaphor
STABILITY IS FIXTURE (e.g., 'He's a fixture in the community'), TIME IS A SCHEDULED EVENT (e.g., 'Derby day is a key fixture').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'fixture' LEAST likely to be used?