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

Both whey and plant protein can help build and keep muscle. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 28 Sep. 2025

New & Noteworthy Bulletproof's High Protein Iced Coffee is a smooth, refreshing blend that delivers rich flavor and 12g of whey protein to support muscle performance. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

Miner explained that regular whey protein contains slightly more micronutrients, such as calcium and potassium, and calories because of its carbohydrate content. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2025

To be fair, whey protein is not necessarily unsafe for older kids and teens to have at all, Adair points out—but can be challenging on the digestive system. —Melissa Willets, Parents, 9 Sep. 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