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

Stirring a single scoop of whey or plant protein directly into your morning oatmeal, coffee, or pancake batter adds an effortless 25 to 30 g of protein. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 17 June 2026

Smaller and finer curds are more abundant and enmeshed with the surrounding whey, which made for a unique texture that tasters favored. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 13 June 2026

In the meantime, higher prices could cause some consumers to stop buying whey protein powders, especially at a time when groceries are getting more expensive overall, Wolfley said. —ABC News, 12 June 2026

Not a heavy protein shake full of dairy or whey, and helps me to build and recover efficiently. —Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 2 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