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

Studies show that whey protein can help reduce appetite and promote weight loss. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 4 Feb. 2025

Is there anyone who should avoid using whey protein powder? —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 4 Feb. 2025

For instance, fluctuating dairy costs affect a range of staple products—milk, butter, cheese, whey—requiring careful price controls to keep essentials affordable. —Mikko Karkkainen, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

Adding protein whey powder is a convenient way to accomplish this. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 6 Dec. 2024

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