: 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 adjective

Examples of whey in a Sentence

The curd has separated from the whey.
Recent Examples on the Web This is why whey protein ($29, Target) is well-known and often used by fitness buffs and weight-lifters. Brierley Horton, Ms, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Jan. 2024 Her new cookbook Yogurt and Whey is packed with more than 100 ideas for using yogurt and whey in creative ways. Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Aug. 2023 And Portland Creamery offered its gooey Caramel Syrup, made of farmstead goat cheese whey with cinnamon and vanilla. Jeastman, oregonlive, 14 Mar. 2023 But the reader also will come away with an appreciation for yogurt’s precious byproduct: whey. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 18 Nov. 2023 The protein in this product is whey protein isolate, which has a much lower lactose content than whey protein concentrate. Isabel Vasquez Rd Ldn, Health, 28 Aug. 2023 The first casks were seasoned with an experimental spirit made by WhistlePig using whey and rye that was infused with Boswellia and Commiphora resin, otherwise known as frankincense and myrrh. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2023 Pickle Curds are cheese curds, a fresh cow’s milk product that results when straining curds from whey in the cheesemaking process. Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2023 The females consumed an almond or whey protein drink twice daily for one week. Cynthia Sass, Mph, Rd, Health, 2 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'whey.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of whey was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near whey

Cite this Entry

“Whey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whey. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

whey

noun
ˈhwā How to pronounce whey (audio)
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
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on whey

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