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

Rugged scenery, terrifyingly narrow roads, and a buffet of lovely Scottish burrs can be the icing on this episode’s wee tea cake! —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

Malibu Dream Party Doughnut: An unglazed shell doughnut filled with Cake Batter Kreme, dipped in Malibu blue icing and sparkly graham sand, topped with a Barbie DreamHouse piece, and piped with a white cloud. —Ray Padilla, The Courier-Journal, 9 Sep. 2024

The icing on the cake of Prince William's latest engagement may have been his insight into Kate Middleton's favorite dessert. —Janine Henni, People.com, 18 Oct. 2024

The icing was that the event was hosted by Drive Toward a Cure, a non-profit that organizes rarefied motoring experiences to raise funds for research in the fight against Parkinson’s disease, which Posey was diagnosed with 30 years ago. —Sue Callaway, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 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