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

Add more milk to the frosting if necessary. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

Every pine and spruce, every rock and bush wore a frosting of white. —William J. McRae, Outdoor Life, 26 Nov. 2025

The latter is an Original Glazed doughnut dipped in chocolate frosting and topped with sprinkles. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 24 Nov. 2025

Everything dripped with decorative frosting, more of an enchanted candy cottage variety than a Rococo multi-tiered wedding cake. —Alexis Benveniste, Architectural Digest, 21 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