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

So put down the colored icing, step away from the baking sheet, and train your focus this way. —Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024

Cookie Break An easy icing technique gives classic sugar cookies a marbled finish in pretty pastels. —Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Dec. 2024

Coffee and instant espresso really deepen the chocolate flavor, and there's a very gentle balance of bitter and sweet in this cake—from the icing to the crumb. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2024

Use a strong base because gingerbread, candy and icing can be very heavy. —Jamie L. Lareau, Detroit Free Press, 29 Nov. 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