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

The new Carrot Cake Kringle is made from Grandma Olesen's carrot cake recipe, featuring fresh carrots, spice and cinnamon, nutmeg and creamy frosting. —Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026

Pure vanilla extract adds a touch of sweetness and caramel-like flavor to the chocolate frosting. —Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Fresh flowers burst explosively out of each cake, swinging jauntily over stacks of vanilla sponges and creamy frostings. —The Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

Or ube cake with coconut frosting. —Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2026

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