icing

[ ahy-sing ]

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. Compare glaze, rime ¹.
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.

icing

/ 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 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of icing¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. icing on the cake. frosting ( def 5 ).

Example Sentences

The wedding took place while he was on leave from the army; wartime shortages meant they had rice paper rather than icing on the cake.

From BBC

When it comes to loaf cakes riddled with cracks, should frustrated bakers cover them with icing?

From Salon

"It’s voted for by the audience and viewers. This is the icing on the cake it’s amazing," he added.

From BBC

The icing has melted down the sides and pooled around the billowy cream.

From Salon

Newey is both the icing on the cake and potentially the single most important ingredient of that investment.

From BBC

Related Words

• cream
• glaze