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, which is optional, does require a mixer, but the cookies are just a delicious without it. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025

This deliciously easy cream cheese frosting comes together in minutes and will add that signature sweet, tangy flavor to your favorite carrot cake recipe, pumpkin bread, or brownies. —Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

But it’s layered with a thick and sugary frosting of adoration. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025

The filling, as well as the sprinkles and the frosting, will remain the same. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 14 Oct. 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