icing

American  

[ahy-sing] / ˈaɪ sɪŋ /

noun

1. a sweet, creamy spread, as of confectioners' sugar, butter, and flavoring, for covering cakes, cookies, etc.; frosting.

2. Meteorology. a coating of ice on a solid object.

3. Aviation. the freezing of atmospheric moisture on the surface of an aircraft.

4. 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.

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idioms

1. icing on the cake. frosting.

icing British  

/ ˈaɪsɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called (esp US and Canadian): frosting.  a sugar preparation, variously flavoured and coloured, for coating and decorating cakes, biscuits, etc

2. the formation of ice, as on a ship or aircraft, due to the freezing of moisture in the atmosphere

3. any unexpected extra or bonus (esp in icing on the cake )

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Etymology

Origin of icing

First recorded in 1760–70; ice + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Avril said her highlight was meeting Jimmy Good and the "icing on the cake" was seeing the string bands decked out in the "most fantastic clothes".

From BBC

But Alijah Arenas, the five-star freshman guard, was reduced to icing his knee on the sideline, his return delayed at least one more week.

From Los Angeles Times

In neighbouring Hungary, where severe winter conditions have affected a large part of the country since last week, Budapest airport was shut down because of "black ice and extreme icing", the airport said.

From Barron's

Megan, who is decorating her biscuit with icing, explained: "I have loads of practice because me and my mum and dad bake at home."

From BBC

Erivo has won rave reviews for her reprised role, so if she nabs a best Oscar win come March, and the coveted EGOT, it will be the cherry on the icing on the cake.

From BBC

Related Words

• cream
• glaze