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 frosting includes Greek yogurt and a pinch of salt to enhance the tang. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026

Fans of the Toasted Coconut cake appreciate the coconut flakes scattered throughout the cake and frosting, and anyone who loves a good cream cheese frosting will be obsessed with the topping. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Feb. 2026

Cook with them: Add a cube to soups, sauces, or sautés at the end of cooking for a subtle burst of acidity that balances and brightens. Use for glazes, frostings, or syrups: Try our lemon glaze for cookies or pound cake or lemon syrup for cocktails. —Laura Manzano, Martha Stewart, 18 Feb. 2026

Separate the frosting into smaller bowls and add a food coloring to each for different colored frostings. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 10 Feb. 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