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

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

Wolfley said investments have been poured into increasing cheese production or whey capacity in order to alleviate the shortage. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026

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

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