confectioners' sugar

American  

[kuhn-fek-shuh-nerz shoog-er] / kənˈfɛk ʃə nərz ˈʃʊg ər /

noun

1. an extra-fine variety of powdered sugar, with cornstarch added to preserve dryness, used in icings, confections, etc.: it is graded from XXX to 14X, with a higher number of X’s corresponding to a more finely ground product.

---

confectioners' sugar British  

noun

1. the US term for icing sugar

---

Etymology

Origin of confectioners' sugar

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Serve them with a quick homemade blueberry syrup, regular maple syrup or loads of melted butter and confectioners’ sugar so their lightly sweet citrus flavor can really shine.

From New York Times • Jun. 17, 2023

Place on a cake plate or stand and dust with confectioners’ sugar.

From Washington Times • May 16, 2023

Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, orange juice and vanilla extract in a small bowl.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 27, 2022

Slice the pancakes into large squares and serve hot, with butter and/or maple syrup, or a dusting of confectioners’ sugar, if you’d like.

From Washington Post • Dec. 10, 2022

“You can start with the gold. Take that rolling pin, and roll it out like dough. Sprinkle some confectioners’ sugar on the table first.

From "From the Desk of Zoe Washington" by Janae Marks