icing

1 of 2

noun (1)

ic·​ing ˈī-siŋ 

1

: a sweet flavored usually creamy mixture used to coat baked goods (such as cupcakes)

called also frosting

2

: something that adds to the interest, value, or appeal of an item or event

—often used in the phrase icing on the cake

icing

2 of 2

noun (2)

: an illegal act by an ice hockey player of shooting a puck from within the defensive zone or defensive half of the rink beyond the opponents' goal line but not into the goal

Examples of icing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Vanilla extract: Adds depth, enhancing the flavor of the icing. —Tricia Manzanero Stuedeman, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024

Set on a cooling rack to allow the icing to harden. —Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

The knee-length Fendi Jacquard Chenille boots were the icing on the cake. —Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 8 Dec. 2024

The slow cooker comes in various colorways, including holiday-ready thyme green, neutral taupe, and white icing. —Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1740, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1948, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing icing

• anti-icing
• icing on the cake
• icing sugar
• royal icing

Kids Definition

icing

1 of 2 noun

ic·​ing ˈī-siŋ 

1

: a sweet coating for baked goods (as cakes)

called also frosting

2

: something that adds to the interest, value, or appeal of an item or event

—often used in the phrase icing on the cake

icing

2 of 2 noun

: the shooting of a hockey puck the length of the rink and beyond the opponent's goal line