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

And, as the icing on the cake, the hotel even offers up some Byredo bath salts to enjoy while soaking in those vistas (and soaking in the bath) from one of the best perches in the suite. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2024

The white appliance with gold accents is stylish for sure, but that’s just the icing on the cake. —Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2024

After these cakes come out of the oven, they’re soaked in maple syrup and orange and lemon juice, and finished with a thick icing. —Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2024

Let the icing set, and enjoy! Store leftovers in a single layer, well wrapped, at room temperature, for up to 3 days. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 24 Sep. 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