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

This is because the substances in milk that cause a milk allergy to develop are proteins, including whey or casein.1 2. —Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 8 Aug. 2025

Unlike the classic creamy blends that taste like something off the menu at Baskin Robbins, clear whey protein is light and refreshing—more like juice. —Francesca Krempa, SELF, 7 Aug. 2025

With 25g of whey protein, 0g of sugar and only 100 calories per can, these crisp, refreshing drinks are the perfect solution for hitting macros this summer without the taste of chalky protein shakes of the past. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025

Milk contains two main types of protein: whey and casein. —Lauren Manaker Ms, Health, 7 July 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