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

But the classic three-layer cake enveloped in cream cheese frosting is still our readers’ preferred way to enjoy this dessert. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025

The birthday boy enjoyed a slice of vanilla cake with buttercream frosting, and was given new golf gear as a gift. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 26 Feb. 2025

The dessert — a vanilla cake baked with Oreo cookie pieces and topped with cream cheese frosting — will replace the fan-favorite Reese’s chocolate peanut butter cake at bakeries nationwide, for a limited time. —Tanasia Kenney, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Feb. 2025

Jimmy John's : The chain's Valentine's Day treat is a Red Velvet Cookie Sandwich, with cream cheese frosting filling and red, pink and white sprinkles. —Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 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