icing
Americannoun
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a sweet, creamy spread, as of confectioners' sugar, butter, and flavoring, for covering cakes, cookies, etc.; frosting.
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Meteorology. a coating of ice on a solid object.
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Aviation. the freezing of atmospheric moisture on the surface of an aircraft.
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Ice Hockey. the act of a player shooting the puck from the defensive half of the rink over the opponent's goal line, but not into the goal, as a defensive maneuver to keep the puck out of the reach of attacking opponents, resulting in a penalty against the defensive team if the puck is then next touched by an opponent other than the goalkeeper.
idioms
noun
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Also called (esp US and Canadian): frosting. a sugar preparation, variously flavoured and coloured, for coating and decorating cakes, biscuits, etc
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the formation of ice, as on a ship or aircraft, due to the freezing of moisture in the atmosphere
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any unexpected extra or bonus (esp in icing on the cake )
Etymology
Origin of icing
Explanation
Icing is the creamy, sweet stuff you use to frost a cake — you can also call it "frosting." Some people like the cake part of a cupcake, and others just like to lick off the icing. If you're over five, that's really not acceptable. Most icing consists of powdered sugar mixed with butter, margarine, cream cheese, or egg whites. In fact, in Britain, powdered sugar is called "icing sugar." Colloquially, you can describe something as the "icing on the cake," meaning it's not vital, but it's a positive addition: "After such a great day, finding that fifty dollar bill on the ground was just the icing on the cake!"
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The company operates under two brand names, Claire's and Icing, and is owned by a group of firms, including investment giant Elliott Management.
From BBC • Aug. 13, 2025
The company operates 2,750 stores in 17 countries as well as 190 locations in North America under its Icing label, according to its website.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2025
Icing the area interferes with this natural response, Shaw says, reducing blood flow to the affected area and slowing the healing process.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2025
Icing will turn a paler shade and thicken.
From Salon • Sep. 12, 2024
For "Coffee Icing" add 3 tablespoons cold boiled coffee in place of water.
From New Royal Cook Book by Anonymous
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
