frosting

noun

frost·​ing ˈfrȯ-stiŋ 

1

a

: icing

b

: trimming, ornamentation

2

: lusterless finish of metal or glass : mat

also : a white finish produced on glass (as by etching)

3

: the lightening (as by chemicals) of small strands of hair throughout the entire head to produce a two-tone effect compare streaking

Examples of frosting in a Sentence

We put frosting on the cupcakes.

Recent Examples on the Web

And it's covered in chocolate frosting. —Sid Evans, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025

The high sugar content in buttercream and similar frostings act as a preservative, keeping the butter in it fresh. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025

This really comes alive with water—Jamaican sugar bun, chocolate frosting, walnuts, and bananas foster make this whiskey even more decadent. —Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

Brennan Marion turned 38 years old this week, and the first-year football coach at Sacramento State who has spent a lifetime gearing up for this sort of season was presented with a birthday cake at practice with frosting, his name and candles. —Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1750, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for frosting

• costing
• defrosting
• exhausting

Kids Definition

frosting

noun

frost·​ing ˈfrȯ-stiŋ 

1

: icing entry 1 sense 1

2

: a dull finish on metal or glass