1
a
: the process of freezing
b
: a covering of minute ice crystals on a cold surface
also
: ice particles formed from a gas
c
: the temperature that causes freezing
2
a
: coldness of deportment or temperament : an indifferent, reserved, or unfriendly manner
b
: failure
… the play was … a most dreadful frost …—
Arnold Bennett
Arnold Bennett
frosted; frosting; frosts
1
a
: to cover with or as if with frost
especially
: to put icing on (cake)
b
: to produce a fine-grained slightly roughened surface on (such as metal or glass)
2
: to injure or kill (plants) by frost
3
: to make angry or irritated
that really frosts me
: to become frosted
Examples of frost in a Sentence
Noun
The grass was covered with frost.
Frost formed on the window.
These plants should bloom until the first frost of the season.
We had an early frost.
Verb
The cold had frosted the windows.
I have to frost the birthday cake.
Recent Examples on the Web
Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 May 2026
Late frosts, cold snaps, strong winds, and scorching temperatures can all cause leaves to brown.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026
Spread with 1/2 cup more frosting and sprinkle with 1/4 cup nuts.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frost
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Noun
Despite the season’s shaky start, including an April frost that caused some producers to lose up to 20 percent of their fruit, 2021 offered a hot dry summer that allowed for full ripeness and potent concentration.
—Mike Desimone, Robb Report, 15 May 2026
Late frosts, cold snaps, strong winds, and scorching temperatures can all cause leaves to brown.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Verb
The balance of cocoa powder, butter, sugar, eggs, and sour cream gives it an almost fudgy flavor, while swoops of tangy cream cheese frosting offset the cake's richness.
—Martha Stewart, 8 May 2026
Spread with 1/2 cup more frosting and sprinkle with 1/4 cup nuts.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for frost
Cite this Entry
“Frost.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frost. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
frost
1 of 2 noun1
: the temperature that causes freezing
2
: a covering of tiny ice crystals on a cold surface
frost
2 of 2 verb1
a
: to cover with or as if with frost
especially
: to put icing on (as cake)
b
: to give a surface that looks like frost to
2
: to injure or kill by frost : freeze
Biographical Definition
Frost
biographical name
Robert Lee 1874–1963 American poet
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