ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fixing

n. · v.
US //ˈfɪksɪŋ// UK //fˈɪksɪŋ// fix·ing
  1. 1 construction parts (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    small items like screws, nails, or bolts used to hold things together in a building.

    hardware components such as screws, brackets, or wall plugs used to secure items during construction or installation.

    Example

    The shelf came with all the necessary fixings like screws and wall plugs.

    Example

    The contractor ordered a bulk supply of stainless steel fixings to ensure the external cladding would withstand the coastal humidity.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'fixings' in British English.
  2. 2 dishonest manipulation (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    the act of dishonestly deciding the result of a game, race, or vote before it happens.

    the illicit subversion or manipulation of a competitive process, such as an election or sporting event, to guarantee a specific outcome.

    Example

    The police investigated the fixing of the championship game after several players were seen meeting with gamblers.

    Example

    Allegations of widespread vote fixing led to an international inquiry into the legitimacy of the recent parliamentary elections.

    Usage

    Often appears in the compound 'match-fixing' or 'price-fixing'.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 repairing or attaching (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the action of repairing something or making it stay in one place.

    the present participle of 'fix', denoting the ongoing act of repairing, securing, or establishing something.

    Example

    He spent the whole afternoon fixing the broken fence in the backyard.

    Example

    Fixing the structural issues in the old bridge proved more expensive than the city council had originally anticipated.
  2. 4 preparing to do something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate American English Dialect Informal

    getting ready to do something very soon.

    an auxiliary-like construction indicating immediate future intent or preparation.

    Example

    I was just fixing to call you when you walked through the door.

    Example

    The clouds were turning dark and the wind was picking up, so we were fixing to head back inside before the storm hit.

    Usage

    Almost exclusively used in the phrase 'fixing to' followed by an infinitive verb.

© 2026 English Reference