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

Greek yogurt, which is made when regular yogurt is strained to remove liquid whey, has a thicker consitence and more sour taste—along with a higher protien content plus less carbs and sugar. —Jahnavi Rapaka, Vogue, 21 Mar. 2026

Other remedies included burning sage and prescribing beef tallow and whey protein. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2026

The whey is drained, leaving some liquid behind. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

Key Takeaways Dry yogurt is yogurt that’s been strained to remove liquid whey, leaving behind a thicker, more concentrated product. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2026

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