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

After fermentation, the yogurt is strained to remove extra liquid (whey) to produce Greek yogurt. —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025

The acid separates the solids (curds) from the liquids (whey). —Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 22 July 2025

This cocktail is made with Altamura Vodka, pineapple, citrus, ginger, gochujang, coconut, and whey. —Amber Love Bond, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025

What Is Hoop Cheese? Hoop cheese is a cow’s milk cheese that’s made by a simple method of separating curds and whey. —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 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