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

Drinking whey protein shakes or using other high-quality protein supplements can help fill the gap. —Lindsey Desoto, Health, 6 Jan. 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, 31 Dec. 2025

This rindless, bed-sheet-white cheese is cured and stored in a brine made with salt and either water or its own whey (the watery liquid that separates from the curd during the cheese-making process). —Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 29 Dec. 2025

For the purposes of this taste test, we’re focused on products that are some combination of whey or plant protein combined with actual coffee or protein products that taste (and caffeinate) like coffee. —Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Oct. 2025

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