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

Enzymes are necessary to break down milk proteins so the solid curds will separate from the whey. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Oct. 2025

The remaining 20% of milk protein is whey, which is usually discarded. —Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 15 Oct. 2025

Standard whey protein powders derive their protein content from a substance called whey protein concentrate—whey protein that retains the fat and carbs of the original whey, according to Dada. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Oct. 2025

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