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

They're supersized, ultra-soft and fluffy, and topped with a luscious almond buttercream frosting. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Nov. 2025

Made with real milk and cream, this rich and velvety frosting delivers the same taste, texture and convenience fans love, now with a cozy cinnamon twist. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025

And yet—the combination of Glee and the holidays is as sugary as a gingerbread man dunked in eggnog, covered in frosting, and fried in an apple cider batter. —Jenny Singer, Glamour, 3 Nov. 2025

The light and lemony frosting is naturally hued from a handful of pureed blueberries. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 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