whey

noun

ˈ(h)wā 

: the watery part of milk that is separated from the coagulable part or curd especially in the process of making cheese and that is rich in lactose, minerals, and vitamins and contains lactalbumin and traces of fat

wheylike

ˈ(h)wā-ˌlīk 

adjective

Examples of whey in a Sentence

The curd has separated from the whey.

Recent Examples on the Web

Dairy contains whey protein that may benefit glucose regulation, which may partially explain the association, though the research doesn't nail down cause and effect. — Allison Aubrey, NPR, 13 July 2026

The whey protein is positioned as a clean-label option, part of what the founders describe as a push to cut fillers and synthetic ingredients from the sports nutrition category. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson july 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 July 2026

Because whey is a byproduct of cheesemaking, the dairy industry cannot build a whey plant in isolation, and the processing capacity to convert liquid whey into powder is constrained. — Krysta Escobar, CNBC, 28 June 2026

Linear bars start with premium organic whey protein isolate as the foundation, supplemented by pea and chickpea proteins for a complete profile. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English hwæg; akin to Middle Dutch wey whey

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing whey

• whey-face

Rhymes for whey

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

whey

noun

ˈhwā 

ˈwā

: the watery part of milk that separates after the milk has soured and thickened especially in the process of making cheese compare curd sense 1

Medical Definition

whey

noun

ˈhwā  ˈwā 

: the serum or watery part of milk that is separated from the coagulable part or curd especially in the process of making cheese and that is rich in lactose, minerals, and vitamins and contains lactalbumin and traces of fat