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

These are humble, homestyle baked goods without the need for flashy fillings, frostings or exotic ingredients. —Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 4 Aug. 2025

Select a frosting like chocolate buttercream or caramel-espresso. —The Denver Post, Denver Post, 1 Aug. 2025

Finally, a quick cream cheese frosting is rich, creamy, and tangy against the fruity sweetness of the rest of the dessert. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 29 July 2025

Don’t dream of leaving without ordering a gigantic slice of the coconut cake with cream cheese frosting—sinful and certainly comforting. —Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 30 July 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