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

Makers will then heat the whey and add acid, which causes flakes to form on the surface. —Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 9 June 2025

Fueled by social media, more boys and men are turning to supplements like amino acids, creatine monohydrate, pre-workout drinks or powders, protein bars and whey protein product in an effort to bulk up and look like their cartoon superhero. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025

Favorites include Tomato Is a Fruit (tequila, strawberry, tomato, coconut) and Smoked Basil, made with mezcal, basil, lime, whey and black pepper. —Kevin Gray, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

To further separate the curd from the whey, the cheese team employs a pneumatic press. —Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 6 May 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