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

Caramel frosting is traditionally served with a yellow or butter cake. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025

The frosting has an artificial-sweetener flavor that overpowers everything. —Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 22 Aug. 2025

More than 18 months after that outreach, Douglas County commissioners slathered some complimentary and self-congratulatory frosting on this week’s invitation to the three-time Super Bowl champions to make their next home 20 miles south of Empower Field at Mile High. —John Aguilar, Denver Post, 22 Aug. 2025

In addition, the duo makes peanut butter bacon pupcakes with a peanut butter cream cheese frosting. —Pamela Brown, Hartford Courant, 21 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