# icing

/ˈaɪsɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈaɪsɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/icing
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. cake topping

noun · CEFR B1

a sweet, creamy mixture made of sugar and butter used to cover or decorate cakes.

For teachers: a sweet glaze or coating, typically composed of sugar and a liquid or fat, used for decorating or finishing baked goods.

- She spread a thick layer of chocolate icing over the birthday cake.
- The pastry chef applied a delicate royal icing to the wedding cake, creating intricate patterns that remained stable at room temperature.

### 2. ice buildup

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the process of ice forming on a surface, which can be dangerous for planes.

For teachers: the formation or accumulation of ice on a surface, particularly on the wings or inlets of an aircraft.

- The pilot was worried about icing on the wings during the storm.
- Severe atmospheric icing can significantly alter the aerodynamic properties of an aircraft, leading to a dangerous loss of lift if not addressed by heating systems.

### 3. hockey violation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a rule in ice hockey where a player hits the puck across most of the rink.

For teachers: an infraction occurring when a player hits the puck from behind the centre red line across the opposing goal line.

- The referee blew the whistle for icing and moved the play back.
- The defending team was called for icing after a desperate attempt to clear the puck from their zone while under heavy pressure.

### 4. the icing on the cake

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

something extra that makes a good situation even better.

For teachers: an additional benefit or positive circumstance that enhances a situation that is already good.

- Winning the award was great, but the prize money was the icing on the cake.
- Securing the new contract was a major victory for the firm, and the glowing testimonial from the client was truly the icing on the cake.

## Examples

- She spreads the chocolate icing on the cake.
- The baker carefully piped white icing onto the cookies to create a snowflake pattern for the winter festival.
- While the thick buttercream icing provided a rich finish to the dessert, the pilot remained concerned about atmospheric icing affecting the plane's lift during the ascent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.